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Non-NYM Off-Season News

Frayed Knot Nov 04 2016 06:49 PM

And the hot stove league is officially underway !!! The Tigers are a team said to be looking to shed payroll this winter, and it appears that may be right as they deal OF Cameron Maybin to the Angels for a minor league arm of seemingly no great promise - Victor Alcantara. Though a CF most of his career up to now, Maybin -- the soon to be 30 y/o who was the #10 overall draft pick by the Tigers back in 2005 and on his second go-around with them after stops in Miami, San Diego, and Atlanta in between -- is due around $9 million for 2017 and is expected to be installed as LAA's everyday LF.

smg58 Nov 10 2016 04:40 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

I don't know if there is still an ex-Mets thread, but RA Dickey just signed a one-year deal with the Braves.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 10 2016 04:47 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

smg58 wrote: I don't know if there is still an ex-Mets thread, but RA Dickey just signed a one-year deal with the Braves.

Benjamin Grimm Nov 10 2016 04:54 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

The Braves seem like the right team for an aging knuckleballer.

Edgy MD Nov 10 2016 05:14 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

I wonder if Niekro will give him permission to dust off #35.

Zvon Nov 10 2016 06:15 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

smg58 wrote: I don't know if there is still an ex-Mets thread, but RA Dickey just signed a one-year deal with the Braves. Ew, I don't like this at all. Braves are slipping into that new ballpark. I wish him well, but not against us. We shall pwn him.

Frayed Knot Nov 10 2016 06:26 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

RA Dickey in three seasons as a Met: 91 starts, 39 Wins, 2.95 ERA, 1.15 WHiP RA Dickey in the four seasons since: 130 starts, 49 wins, 4.05 ERA, 1.25 WHiP Also Ks/9 down a shade, BBs/9 up, HRs/9 up, etc. Turned 42 two weeks ago. I briefly considered him a few weeks back as a 'what if' replacement for Bartolo but then quickly dismissed the idea.

HahnSolo Nov 10 2016 07:12 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

I suppose the Braves could do worse for a "veteran innings-eater"(™) but he had a lot fewer innings eaten this year, and as FK said, he's getting up there now.

HahnSolo Nov 10 2016 07:13 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Zvon wrote: smg58 wrote: I don't know if there is still an ex-Mets thread, but RA Dickey just signed a one-year deal with the Braves. Ew, I don't like this at all. Braves are slipping into that new ballpark. I wish him well, but not against us. We shall pwn him. If they wanted to play in a park that looks just like Turner Field, why didn't they just stay there?

MFS62 Nov 12 2016 12:10 AM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Are they going to acquire Josh Thole to catch him? Later

Frayed Knot Nov 12 2016 01:29 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

HahnSolo wrote: If they wanted to play in a park that looks just like Turner Field, why didn't they just stay there? Bigger concentration of richer, whiter fans once you get 20 miles outside of town. Plus lower crime, better parking, and less traffic (or so they hope).

MFS62 Nov 12 2016 01:34 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Nov 12 2016 01:37 PM

I don't recall any problem with parking when I went to the old park. There WAS a jam leaving once the game was over, but its probably that way in most ballparks. But the problem I see is that they will be 20 miles away from Varsity, so a lot of hot dogs will get cold and a lot of onion rings will get soggy before the fans get them to the new stadium. http://www.thevarsity.com/locations.php ... store_id=9 OE: Its now a local chain, so there may be one near the new place. Problem solved. BTW- the onion rings are world famous, and they deserve that honor, grease and all. Later

Frayed Knot Nov 12 2016 01:34 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Kendrys Morales leaves the Royals for a three-year deal in Toronto, notable mostly because it almost certainly signals the end of Edwin Encarnacion's time as a Blue Jay and thus makes him more of an 'in-play' FA. I don't think he's in play for the Mets, but someone in the 1B/DH market now won't have competition from his home club.

Centerfield Nov 12 2016 02:59 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

They've been saying the Red Sox will go strong after Encarnacion to replace Ortiz. Maybe Toronto saw the writing on the wall.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 12 2016 04:44 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Everyone knows this is the best place to play baseball in Atlanta. The site is about 7 miles South of the current Braves ballpark and 7 miles northwest of the new one. Its namesake was raised by a single parent just off Holcomb Ave. and played sandlot football at that site as a kid.

Frayed Knot Nov 12 2016 07:43 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Everyone knows this is the best place to play baseball in Atlanta. The site is about 7 miles South of the current Braves ballpark and 7 miles northwest of the new one. The Braves new digs are actually in the suburbs north and west of Atlanta by some 15 miles or so.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 12 2016 10:14 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Doesn't look like that on the map unless I have the direction wrong.

Frayed Knot Nov 12 2016 10:29 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

I don't know how to swipe an image off of GOOGLE Maps, but the new place is in Cumberland, GA. Taking Interstate 75 out of town in a northward (11 o'clock-ish) direction towards Marietta and eventually Chattanooga, TN, it's right where 75 crosses Atlanta's 'Beltway' (285) You can see an in-progress version of it if you zoom in via satellite mode right on the west side of that Interstate interchange. That area is the richer suburbs of Atlanta (Newt Gingrich's Congressional district back in the day) and also where there's a big amateur baseball program that has produced a bunch of current players [Francouer, Heyward, McCann, Markakis, others] most of whom, coincidentally or otherwise, seem to either start out with the Braves or eventually end up there. I'm sure they feel it's much better baseball territory than the more football happy (and specifically college football happy) city of Atlanta itself.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 14 2016 02:22 AM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Ah, 285 being a beltway I had the opposite intersection of it and 75. Anywhoo it can't beat John Milner Park.

MFS62 Nov 15 2016 01:33 AM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Ex Mets farmhand Michael Fulmer, won the AL Rookie of the Year Award. LAter

Centerfield Nov 17 2016 11:25 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Brian McCann to the Astros.

Frayed Knot Nov 18 2016 12:14 AM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Brian McCann to the Astros. Pitchers Albert Abreu and Jorge Guzman going to the Yankees. The latter has touched 102-103. JJ Cooper at BA: both have great arms and Guzman has touched 102-103 - but they also were the 5th and 8th best Ps in Astros system in our upcoming 30. NYY kicking in $5.5MM each of the next 2 seasons. So net the Astros are on the hook for $11.5MM in each of 2017 and 2018. McCann also has a vesting option of $15MM for 2019 (1,000 PAs from 2017-18, 90 games caught in 2018 and does not end 2018 on the DL). The papers were talking about the Yanx holding out for "top level" prospects in return for McCann such as they got in the mid-season Miller & Chapman deals but it looks like they dealt more for hopeful promise here than for sure-fire talent. The Astros also have Evan Gattis (that's a lotta beef behind the plate on one team!!) to catch part-time plus the 'stros are in the DH league these days. On a side note this essentially confirms the end of the road for former Houston 1st round draft pick Jason Castro and that he'll now be a no-strings attached FA. I've mostly lost track of him over the last few years but he never seems to have hit the way they hoped ... don't know much about his defense. Just wondering out loud if he's a candidate to supplement (not take over) the catching corps in Queens. Astros reportedly have also signed FA Josh Reddick

Ashie62 Nov 18 2016 12:50 AM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

With Reddick and McCann the Astro's lineup looks like, ]1. George Springer, RF 2. Alex Bregman, 3B 3. Jose Altuve, 2B 4. Carlos Correa, SS 5. Brian McCann, C 6. Evan Gattis, DH 7. Josh Reddick, LF 8. Yulieskey Gurriel, 1B 9. Jake Marisnick, CF

Vic Sage Nov 18 2016 02:49 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

power, speed, defense, albeit with a shit ton of Ks. Now they just need some more pitching.

Frayed Knot Nov 18 2016 08:37 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Houston was slightly below average in scoring runs last year, but they got shit years out of Colby Rasmus, Carlos Gomez, Jason Castro and others. Every full time player except for Altuve struck out 100+ times and even some guys with less than 300 ABs were K'ing 85 times or more. You figure that with MCann plus full seasons out of Marasnick, Gourriel, Bregman et al they'll be a lot better although you still figure it to be a feast or famine type of offense. And we get to face them this year too. On the other side of Texas, the Rangers signed RHP Andrew Cashner to a one year deal. A 1st round pick (19th overall) by the Cubs in 2008, this will now be his 4th organization overall and third in two years (also SD & Miami) since being dealt by Chicago to SD in exchange for ... Anthony Rizzo.

Frayed Knot Nov 19 2016 10:14 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

In case you might want to get a sense of where the price for LH relievers is these days, the Cardinals have signed Brett Cecil to a 4-year / $30.5 mil deal. Cecil, a life-long Blue Jay up until now, was a former 1st round pick (38th overall in 2007) by Toronto out of the Univ of Maryland. He started for a couple of seasons before becoming a full-time reliever by 2013. Was very steady out of the pen -- 2013-2016 combined = 243 Games; 2.90 ERA; 1.17 WHiP; 11.5 K/9; 3.1 BB/9; 7.4 H/9 with one ASG appearance -- although is coming off his worst season of the four: 1-7; 3.93; 1.28 and with only 36 IP Will turn 31 in mid-season 2017 Jerry Blevins, three+ years older and without quite the track record, doesn't figure to get a deal of that size, but he now has his target.

Frayed Knot Nov 23 2016 02:26 AM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Catcher Jason Castro, former 1st round pick of the Astros, inks a three-year deal with the Twins.

Frayed Knot Nov 24 2016 02:21 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

The new front office in Arizona makes their first major move, dealing off SS Jean Segura plus two minor league names to the Mariners for RHP Taijuan Walker and IF Ketel Marte (not sure if he's named after the vodka or vice versa). The Snakes just acquired Segura from the Brewers a year ago and got a great season out of him [20 HRs, led NL in hits, 13th in MVP] but he's eligible for FA after 2018 so this smells like a youth movement thing for them. The just-turned 24 y/o Walker was a top of the charts prospect a couple years back although in two full seasons has yet to keep his ERA under 4.00 Marte, 23, was more or less the M's full-time SS this past season. Seattle also gets CF prospect Mitch Haniger, former 1st round draft pick of Milwaukee who got some playing time with Arizona in 2016, and reliever Zac Curtis who adds to the variety of ways ML moms and dads have found to spell Zack/Zach. Plus there's that guitarist Zakk that Piazza used to like.

Ashie62 Nov 24 2016 04:35 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Zakk Wylde? Love Taijuan Walker if healthy.

Frayed Knot Nov 25 2016 01:26 AM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Nov 30 2016 01:51 PM

Ashie62 wrote: Zakk Wylde? That's the one. Piazza even pulled some strings to get him to played the anthem prior to a game one time. I was there for that one and let's just say it's not going down alongside Jimi's rendition. The Cobb County Braves, who continue (along with Houston) to be the most active team early in this off-season, have added super-utility man Sean Rodriguez to a reported two-year deal. Along with his ethnically mixed name, the 31 y/o Rodriguez has displayed Zobrist-like versatility over the last few years with Tampa & Pittsburgh by playing seven different positions plus DH, and is someone I wouldn't have minded the Mets looking into.

Frayed Knot Nov 30 2016 01:50 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Jon Jay to the Cubs on a one year deal - a sign that Dexter Fowler is not likely to return.

cooby Nov 30 2016 03:36 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

I have a stamp with him on it

Benjamin Grimm Nov 30 2016 03:49 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

I wonder if the Mets might be more willing to consider Fowler if a new CBA goes into effect that would prevent them from losing a draft pick. I'm guessing not, because I suspect the issue is more with the budget than with the draft pick, but maybe I'm wrong.

Frayed Knot Dec 02 2016 04:33 AM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Braves continue to create an entirely new stop-gap pitching staff as they send three prospects to the Cardinals for LHP Jamie Garcia Garcia, 30, has been real good at times [3rd in ROY 2010; 2.43 ERA in 2015] but also erratic and/or injured in others [just 16 starts total in 2013 + 2014; a 4.67 ERA this past year]. Like other recent additions Bartolo & RAD, Garcia is signed thru 2017 only. John Gant, former NYM draft pick who went to the Braves in the 2015 edition of the 'Let's Make a Kelly Johnson Deal', is one of the three going to StL. Also headed that way is A-level 2B Luke (younger son of Lenny) Dykstra, and AAA-level RHP Chris Ellis

Edgy MD Dec 02 2016 04:51 AM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

The Braves just sent Rob Whalen—the other half of that package they got in the Johnson/Uribe deal—to Seattle. If not for Bartolo Colón, I'd think they were deliberately shedding guys with Mets taint. Maybe the Mets can convince them to send back Akeel Morris.

Lefty Specialist Dec 02 2016 12:56 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Edgy MD wrote: If not for Bartolo Colón, I'd think they were deliberately shedding guys with Mets taint. What am I, chopped liver?

Ashie62 Dec 03 2016 07:47 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Per Rosenthal Carlos Beltran to the Astros for $16 million and a no trade clause.

sharpie Dec 03 2016 08:18 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Astros fans used to boo Beltran because he left them after his amazing playoff series to join the Mets

Frayed Knot Dec 03 2016 08:54 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

sharpie wrote: Astros fans used to boo Beltran because he left them after his amazing playoff series to join the Mets Yup, there were some pretty harsh feelings there for a while. Some fans felt he misled the Astros while having no intention of ever staying there, plus there's the whole big/small market animosity thing (particularly with NYC) that was big at the time. But I'm sure they'll get over it if he has one more decent year in him. I'm kind of shocked at the size of the price tag, particularly for a team with some good young OF'ers already on their roster and two of their three catchers (Brian McCann, Evan Gattis) being prime candidates for DH much of the time. They may dangle one of their young OFs (Springer?) for pitching help (Sale?). And we'll play them this year remember (in Houston Sept 1-3).

Mets Guy in Michigan Dec 04 2016 12:53 AM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Frayed Knot wrote: sharpie wrote: Astros fans used to boo Beltran because he left them after his amazing playoff series to join the Mets Yup, there were some pretty harsh feelings there for a while. Some fans felt he misled the Astros while having no intention of ever staying there, plus there's the whole big/small market animosity thing (particularly with NYC) that was big at the time. But I'm sure they'll get over it if he has one more decent year in him. I'm kind of shocked at the size of the price tag, particularly for a team with some good young OF'ers already on their roster and two of their three catchers (Brian McCann, Evan Gattis) being prime candidates for DH much of the time. They may dangle one of their young OFs (Springer?) for pitching help (Sale?). And we'll play them this year remember (in Houston Sept 1-3). I was thinking that $16 million seemed like a lot for him at this stage of his career. Then again, we have Neil Walker for $17 million.

Frayed Knot Dec 04 2016 04:06 AM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Walker's not a 40 y/o DH

Frayed Knot Dec 05 2016 01:44 AM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Matt Holliday to the Yanx to be primary DH for the upcoming year. So no more DH-by-commitee as ARod, Teix, Beltran, and McCann have all been disappeared since the middle of last season (although they're still paying full freight on ARod and part of McCann's). Turns 37 in January. Got 426 PA w/Cards last year (he essentially missed the final six weeks) and just 277 the year before. Winds up slightly cheaper ($13 mil) than the $16 mil Beltran got.

Centerfield Dec 05 2016 02:54 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

I think $13 million and $16 million are what Bruce and Granderson are making. It's like a law that all outfielders have to make one of these two salaries. You know, except Yo.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 05 2016 04:44 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

MFYs could probably have used Bruce. He'd hit 30 easily in that little league park.

Frayed Knot Dec 05 2016 06:02 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Mark Melancon to the Giants on a reported four-year deal (pending physical yadda yadda) Versatile utility man Steve Pearce does the AL East shuffle by going from the O's to the Jays

A Boy Named Seo Dec 05 2016 06:06 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Frayed Knot wrote: Mark Melancon to the Giants on a reported four-year deal (pending physical yadda yadda) Versatile utility man Steve Pearce does the AL East shuffle by going from the O's to the Jays I was kinda hoping the Nats would empty their wallet on Melancon. Hope they're not like "eff it, Chris Sale".

Frayed Knot Dec 05 2016 07:03 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Well the Nats are going to need some kind of closer so it's not strictly an either/or thing of Sale [u:2383w8yh]Or[/u:2383w8yh] a guy for the back end of the pen.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Dec 05 2016 07:08 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Melancon's deal was reportedly for $62M. What the hell will Chapman get?

Edgy MD Dec 05 2016 07:32 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Something like what Jansen will get, minus a little for the baggage he brings, I think.

Edgy MD Dec 05 2016 08:21 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Pittsburgh has re-signed Wade LeBlanc, who they strangely traded for late (September 13) but then proceeded to use only out of the bullpen, despite his history as a starter. He pitched well for them but by that point, it was too late for them to dig out of their hole, as they were five games behind the Mets in the Wild Card race with two teams to leapfrog to get there. And of course, he was ineligible for any playoff action that they theoretically might have magically attained. Wade LeBlanc fascinates me, because every time I hear his name, I get the idea that somebody's talking about an oily politician whose whole organization is just a thing veneer of respectability spread over a horrifying and barely hidden agenda of potentially violent white nationalism.

Benjamin Grimm Dec 05 2016 08:25 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

The name makes me think he might be Joey Tribbiani's cousin.

Centerfield Dec 06 2016 03:40 AM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

It's looking like Sale to the Nats. And they hold on to Tera Turner. Hard to imagine these Nats are going to get even better. Fuck.

Edgy MD Dec 06 2016 10:05 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Buzz is coming out of National Harbor (BUZZ!) that Gio Gonzalez is bound for the Yankees.

Frayed Knot Dec 06 2016 10:33 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Hmmmmm, I would have thought that a logical move had they landed Sale but curious otherwise as it leaves the Nats w/o a LH starter: Scherzer, Strasburg, Roark, Ross and presumably Giolito

Vic Sage Dec 06 2016 10:46 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Centerfield wrote: It's looking like Sale to the Nats. And they hold on to Tera Turner. Hard to imagine these Nats are going to get even better. Fuck. Nope. It's Sale to Boston for minor league pitchers Michael Kopech and Victor Diaz, outfielder Luis Basabe and Moncada, the third baseman that is at or near the top of most people's best prospect in baseball list.

Edgy MD Dec 06 2016 11:46 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Hmmmmm, I would have thought that a logical move had they landed Sale but curious otherwise as it leaves the Nats w/o a LH starter: Scherzer, Strasburg, Roark, Ross and presumably Giolito Yeah, that buzz might have had more substance before the Sale-to-Boston deal, but only surfaced after.

MFS62 Dec 07 2016 12:31 AM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Vic Sage wrote: ...Moncada, the third baseman that is at or near the top of most people's best prospect in baseball list. The ChiSox already have Lawrie at second and Frazier at third in, IIRC, the last year or two of his contract. Maybe they'll keep him until they think Mondaca is ready. If they think the kid is ready, would they entertain an offer for Frazier? We may know by the middle of the year, or sooner. Keep an eye on this one. Later

Ashie62 Dec 07 2016 12:48 AM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Frazier may be headed to the Dodgers per the interweb.

Frayed Knot Dec 07 2016 01:21 AM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

The BoSox capped their Thornburg/Sale afternoon by signing Mitch Moreland to a one year deal. Moreland, who won two Gold Gloves as a 1B with the Rangers, will apparently play there full-time in Boston moving former [crossout]SS[/crossout], [crossout]3B[/crossout], [crossout]LF[/crossout], [crossout]1B[/crossout] Hanley Ramirez to the Papi-replacing DH slot.

Zvon Dec 07 2016 03:13 AM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Wilson Ramos to the AL. Niiiiiiice. He was a pain. I recall many times wishing we had a catcher like him. Dunno if he's past his prime. Ended '16 with a bad injury (ACL torn). Glad if he's going anywhere that's not us, it's out of the N.L. [url]http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mlb-hot-stove-signings-rays-wilson-ramos-reportedly-agree-on-two-year-deal/ Centerfield wrote: It's looking like Sale to the Nats. And they hold on to Tera Turner. Hard to imagine these Nats are going to get even better. Fuck. Of course they'd hold on to Turner. But no Sale. Gio would make a perfect Yankee. He's seems like such a doosh. Who's the Nats catcher in '17?

Edgy MD Dec 07 2016 04:03 AM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Don't know. Neither Lobaton nor Severino seem ideal. I'm pretty sure Ramos wasn't expected to be ready until mid-season.

Frayed Knot Dec 07 2016 01:21 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Carlos Gomez (mentioned briefly somewhere around here as a NYM possibility) winds up with a one-year deal back with the Rangers which is where he finished out the final six weeks of 2016 following his release by the Astros. For whatever reason he was much better in northern Texas than he was in the eastern part of the state.

Centerfield Dec 07 2016 02:04 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

I don't think I knew he had been released by the Astros last year. Surprised we didn't kick the tires on that one with our CF hole and Lagares being injured. And Gomez hitting RH.

Lefty Specialist Dec 07 2016 02:10 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

So far the off-season's playing out pretty well. Glad Sale isn't a Nat and Ramos is moving on. Melancon to the Giants is a little concerning, as their bullpen was their Achilles heel. Wade Davis to the Cubs replacing Chapman is a wash. Red Sox will be loaded. And they don't look like they're done. Gonna be tough to be a Yankee fan next year. (Awwwww) One of the possible landing spots for McCutchen was the Rangers, but signing Carlos Gomez for CF closes that off. So it increases the DC possibility. I'm betting Cutch has a bounceback year and I'd hate for it to be for the Nats.

Centerfield Dec 07 2016 02:15 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Lefty Specialist wrote: So far the off-season's playing out pretty well. Glad Sale isn't a Nat and Ramos is moving on. Melancon to the Giants is a little concerning, as their bullpen was their Achilles heel. Wade Davis to the Cubs replacing Chapman is a wash. Red Sox will be loaded. And they don't look like they're done. Gonna be tough to be a Yankee fan next year. (Awwwww) One of the possible landing spots for McCutchen was the Rangers, but signing Carlos Gomez for CF closes that off. So it increases the DC possibility. I'm betting Cutch has a bounceback year and I'd hate for it to be for the Nats. Yeah, I think the Nats losing on Sale probably makes them front-runners for McCutchen. I guess then they move Tina Turner to SS? I am trying not to celebrate the Nats losing on Sale too much. Last winter I laughed as they missed on all their targets, then the guy the eventually settled on turned into Ted Williams. Fucking Brandon Phillips. I still blame him. But man, I can't help but breathe a sigh of relief that we dodged the Sale bullet. That guy would have just destroyed our lineup. Nats still have great pitching, obviously, but if Gio goes to the MFY's, they are basically right-handed.

Frayed Knot Dec 07 2016 04:35 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Ian Desmond finally gets his long-term deal, 5 years to the Rox. Not sure what position they intend for him. One of the corner OF spots I'd guess.

Edgy MD Dec 07 2016 07:13 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

The agent called and I said, ‘Really? Jose is a villain in Baltimore and I’m not going to go tell our fans that we’re courting Jose Bautista for the Orioles because they’re not going to be happy.'” — Baltimore GM Dan Duquette That's refreshing in a goofy way. Good grudges make for good baseball!

Frayed Knot Dec 07 2016 07:26 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Frayed Knot wrote: Ian Desmond finally gets his long-term deal, 5 years to the Rox. Not sure what position they intend for him. One of the corner OF spots I'd guess. Damn, that Desmond signing is going to cost the Rockies not just a draft pick but the most costly draft pick you can surrender under the current rules, #11 overall !!

A Boy Named Seo Dec 07 2016 07:37 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Frayed Knot wrote: Frayed Knot wrote: Ian Desmond finally gets his long-term deal, 5 years to the Rox. Not sure what position they intend for him. One of the corner OF spots I'd guess. Damn, that Desmond signing is going to cost the Rockies not just a draft pick but the most costly draft pick you can surrender under the current rules, #11 overall !! That's kind of a weird one. A 30-year old shortstop turned outfielder who they signed to play 1st base for the next 5 years??

A Boy Named Seo Dec 07 2016 08:20 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Matt Holliday to the Yankees. He seems like such a perfect Yankee, even more than he was a perfect Cardinal, with his easy, annoying, hateability.

Frayed Knot Dec 07 2016 08:22 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

re: Desmond: 1st base?!?!! That's weird. His bat played real well when he was a SS (except for 2015) and again last year as a CF, but his 30 y/o numbers were, at best, so-so for a 1B and I certainly wouldn't want to be locked into them for his age 31-35 seasons. Now it's Denver, Colorado so he'll hit well enough for sure, but there are a glut of 1B-men out there right now (hence the plunging market for Encarnacion) which makes this even stranger. The Wade Davis from KC to the Cubs in exchange for Jorge Soler is apparently complete.

Edgy MD Dec 07 2016 08:38 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

A lot of movement of Wades: LeBlanc, Davis, ... can Miley be far behind?

Edgy MD Dec 07 2016 08:42 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Also, with regard to Ian Desmond, player movement that fills a(n alleged) need in one place can open up a new need elsewhere. So now Texas is down an outfielder, with relief pitching to trade.

HahnSolo Dec 07 2016 09:20 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

A Boy Named Seo wrote: Matt Holliday to the Yankees. He seems like such a perfect Yankee, even more than he was a perfect Cardinal, with his easy, annoying, hateability. He looks like an adult Caillou. For those of you without kids, that is NOT a good thing.

Benjamin Grimm Dec 07 2016 09:22 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

I suppose it's better than looking like Tommy Pickles.

Frayed Knot Dec 07 2016 09:41 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Edgy MD wrote: Also, with regard to Ian Desmond, player movement that fills a(n alleged) need in one place can open up a new need elsewhere. So now Texas is down an outfielder, with relief pitching to trade. And as if on cue, reports are out there that the Mets & Rangers have been seen chatting earlier today. No specifics beyond that.

Edgy MD Dec 07 2016 10:18 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

I have Sandy's ear. He relies on me a lot. Should I put a bug in there with regard to Jonathan Lucroy? We can package Bruce with Harvey and get a monster return. Just say the word. Sandy listens to me.

TransMonk Dec 07 2016 10:25 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

White Sox OF Adam Eaton to the Nats for prospects Lucas Giolito, Dane Dunning and Reynaldo Lopez. One less suitor for McCutchen. Just sayin'.

A Boy Named Seo Dec 07 2016 10:29 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Man, some pretty incredible hauls by the White Sox. You can call it a rebuild, I guess, but these dudes are Major League ready or pretty close.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Dec 07 2016 10:56 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

TransMonk wrote: White Sox OF Adam Eaton to the Nats for prospects Lucas Giolito, Dane Dunning and Reynaldo Lopez. One less suitor for McCutchen. Just sayin'. It's quite a price to pay, but, well, Eaton is a better get than McCutchen-- hell, maybe a better get than Sale-- at this point.

Frayed Knot Dec 07 2016 11:42 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Certainly a cheaper and longer-term alternative to McCutcheon as Eaton is signed thru 2019 with reasonable options for '20 + '21 He'll be their CF moving Turner back to SS Giolito's a big price to pay, Reynaldo Lopez being included takes one of their in-house bullpen options out of play, and while the third process Dunning is a ways away but was their 1st round draft pick in 2016 - but ya gotta give to get.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Dec 08 2016 12:39 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

In yesterday's other news, the Cubs add bullpen superarm Wade Davis from the Royals for youngish OF Jorge Soler... ... to replace some asshole who just signed with the Yankees. (5 yrs/$86M, with limited no-trade... and, because he was traded in-season, no loss of qualifying-offer first-rounder).

Lefty Specialist Dec 08 2016 12:53 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Well, he can buy all the weaponry he needs to threaten his girlfriend now.

DocTee Dec 08 2016 01:25 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Who's the Nats catcher in '17? Why Derek Norris, of course. Interesting acquisition- I think Wieters may still be on their wishlist.

Frayed Knot Dec 08 2016 01:53 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: ... to replace some asshole who just signed with the Yankees. (5 yrs/$86M, with limited no-trade... and, because he was traded in-season, no loss of qualifying-offer first-rounder). Pretty good set of transactions for the Yanx overall. - trade shit [crossout]pro[/crossout]suspects to get him on account of his imminent suspension - pay him for about 1/3 of a season under his original contract - trade him away at the deadline for lots of good prospects - get him back at the cost of nothing except money because you had traded him away previously Of course there was the small matter of the deal that sent him away signaling to their fans that they were throwing in the towel on a season where a playoff spot was still very much in reach, and now the question of whether a closer can be worth $17+ mil/year or that he won't blow up (physically or otherwise) during the next five seasons.

Benjamin Grimm Dec 08 2016 03:23 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Reports are that the Orioles have told Jose Bautista that they won't make him an offer because their fans don't like him.

Centerfield Dec 08 2016 04:22 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Lefty Specialist wrote: Well, he can buy all the weaponry he needs to threaten his girlfriend now. I know that this is not supposed to be a funny subject but this made me laugh out loud. What an asshole. Wasn't there a guy on the Giants that ended up shooting himself in the leg a few years ago? I hope this happens to Chapman.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 08 2016 10:06 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Cubs sign Koji Uehara to a 1year deal. I wonder why we didn't go after him [youtube:hnhayqj5]LEksgDdn0x4[/youtube:hnhayqj5]

Frayed Knot Dec 09 2016 02:11 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Looking like Dexter Fowler to the Cards on a five year deal. Not that it was a direct exchange or anything, but StL certainly seems like they're coming out on the better end of the Heyward/Fowler "swap" of NL Central outfielders.

Centerfield Dec 09 2016 02:42 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Frayed Knot wrote: Looking like Dexter Fowler to the Cards on a five year deal. Not that it was a direct exchange or anything, but StL certainly seems like they're coming out on the better end of the Heyward/Fowler "swap" of NL Central outfielders. Based on 2016 anyway. Fowler's numbers were a bit high for his standards in 2016. And he has played his career in hitters' parks. Heyward, as everyone knows, was historically bad last year. Gun to your head, who has a better season in 2017? You probably go with Fowler, but it's not a no-brainer for me.

A Boy Named Seo Dec 09 2016 06:17 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

5 years x $16M (average annual) for the 30-year old Fowler versus 7 x $23M for the 26-year old Heyward. Their career OPS's are 107 and 108 respectively, but damn, who knows at this point? Fangraphs and Steamer projections predict a full role reversal for 2017 (Fowler down, Heyward up). I think I still might bet on Heyward, long term, but what the shit do I know.

Ashie62 Dec 11 2016 10:51 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Danny Espinosa, you missed Winterfest. [url]http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/danny-espinosa-gets-traded-to-angels-after-skipping-nationals-winterfest/

Frayed Knot Dec 12 2016 08:24 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Looks like closer Kensley Jansen (a five year contract) and 3B Justin Turner (4 years) are both headed back to the Dodgers. The Marlins had been hot on the closer trail but have now missed out on all of the top ones [Jansen, Chapman, Melancon]. Brad Ziegler among the names with closing experience still out there.

Lefty Specialist Dec 12 2016 09:30 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Boy, nobody wants to play for the Nats. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Benjamin Grimm Dec 12 2016 09:31 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

If only Donald Trump was equally adverse to going to Washington.

themetfairy Dec 12 2016 09:47 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Benjamin Grimm wrote: If only Donald Trump was equally adverse to going to Washington. He is. That's why he'll be living in New York during his presidency.

Ashie62 Dec 12 2016 10:20 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Dec 14 2016 07:58 AM

Rosenthal speculates Justin Turner has been offered 4/64.

A Boy Named Seo Dec 12 2016 10:45 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Ashie62 wrote: rosenthal speculates Justin Turner has been offered 4/64. What a turd Justin Turner was for us. Can't believe how good he's become.

Ashie62 Dec 13 2016 07:00 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Ruben Tejada signs a minor league deal with the MFY's.

sharpie Dec 13 2016 07:29 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Yankees should pencil Ruben in as their leadoff hitter and everyday shortstop. Proved he can play in New York.

MFS62 Dec 15 2016 01:40 AM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Yahoo sports reporting that catcher Wellington Castillo has signed a one year deal with the O's. Later

Frayed Knot Dec 19 2016 09:04 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Jimmy Rollins not yet ready to give up the dream signs a minor league deal with SFG The just-turned 38 y/o JR didn't play after being released by the White Sox in June.

Ashie62 Dec 20 2016 04:15 AM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

MFS62 wrote: Yahoo sports reporting that catcher Wellington Castillo has signed a one year deal with the O's. Later Beef Wellington day can't be far behind.

Ashie62 Dec 20 2016 06:55 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Buchholz, FA to be, goes to Philly for a low level prospect.

Chad Ochoseis Dec 23 2016 02:20 AM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Edwin Encarnacion to the Tribe. 3 years. Some articles say $60M, others $65M. Completely mediocre as a Red and then a star with the Jays. Either way, he's a definite improvement over Mike Napoli, who was the Indians' DH last season. [url]http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2016/12/cleveland_indians_edwin_encarn_1.html#incart_most-comments

Lefty Specialist Dec 23 2016 08:43 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Encarnacion could have had 4/80 from the Blue Jays but said no. FA market doesn't always turn out the way you plan it, Edwin.

batmagadanleadoff Dec 24 2016 07:11 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Justin Turner signs a $64M contract with LA. Good for him. Who would've thunk it? Not the Mets. [fimg=444:2086zsym]https://c3.staticflickr.com/1/420/31475414010_a929383bc5_z.jpg[/fimg:2086zsym] [fimg=444:2086zsym]https://c5.staticflickr.com/1/579/31475413980_0368ef06e1_b.jpg[/fimg:2086zsym]

Frayed Knot Jan 04 2017 04:17 AM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Drew Storen to the Reds on a one year deal (don't get too upset Met fans). And (temporary) WS hero Rajai Davis goes back to Oakland where he played prior to his star turn in Cleveland.

Edgy MD Jan 04 2017 01:26 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Well, he was never going to be the Mets' fifth outfielder anyway. I'm thinking ... Colby Rasmus?

Frayed Knot Jan 06 2017 03:54 AM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Brandon Phillips certainly seems to want no part of the NL East. Sources are confirming that, back in November, Phillips invoked the No-Trade clause in his contract in order to block a deal to the Braves. Last winter he blocked one that would have sent him to the Nationals forcing them instead to settle for Daniel Murphy. 2017 will be the final year of his long-term deal with the Reds. You wonder if they'll start giving the majority of the playing time to Dilson Herrera in an attempt to get him to finally accept a deal come deadline time 2017 - although by that point the team probably won't save more than a few pennies of his contract as they'll likely have to eat most of whatever remains. He's still a decent player even if not quite what he was, but Cincy was a 94-loss team in 2016, don't figure to be a lot better this coming year, and will wind up with his N-T clause costing them most of $27 million (2016 + '17) while they try to rebuild.

Edgy MD Jan 06 2017 08:15 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

The Orioles send Yovani Gallardo to Seattle and get Seth Smith back in return to be their new rightfielder, which, I guess, takes them out of the GranderBruce market. Maybe it adds them to the pitching market, however.

Frayed Knot Jan 08 2017 12:07 AM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

KC deals speedster (although sneaky-old at age 31 already!) Jarrod Dyson to the Mariners for SP/RP Nathan Karns

DocTee Jan 08 2017 05:11 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Thereby removing Seattle, which had an OF-vacancy created by the trade of Seth Smith, from the Granderson-Bruce market.

Edgy MD Jan 09 2017 02:37 AM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Quick! Call Kansas City!

d'Kong76 Jan 13 2017 06:20 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Rumors from Florida are that Derek Jeter will soon be getting a wall too. Initial reports are unclear if he will pay for his wall or if it's The City of Tampa's responsibility to pay for his wall to keep Tampanians off his com- pound. There are whispers that he may pay for the wall because he can't wait any longer and then bill the city and make them pay for it or foot the bill through some contrived tax or something. Details will be available here as they become available.

MFS62 Jan 13 2017 11:11 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

d'Kong76 wrote: Rumors from Florida are that Derek Jeter will soon be getting a wall too. Initial reports are unclear if he will pay for his wall or if it's The City of Tampa's responsibility to pay for his wall to keep Tampanians off his com- pound. There are whispers that he may pay for the wall because he can't wait any longer and then bill the city and make them pay for it or foot the bill through some contrived tax or something. Details will be available here as they become available. Well done! Later

MFS62 Jan 18 2017 03:17 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Hall of Famer Willie McCovey was among a number of persons who had their prison sentences commuted by President Obama: http://fox8.com/2017/01/17/baseball-hal ... -by-obama/ Later

Frayed Knot Feb 08 2017 01:46 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Unsigned players are attempting to grab the merry-go-round on its last spins prior to ST. So in addition to the Chris Carter signing noted in the Yanqui thread, former NYM Joe Smith becomes a Blue Jay, and two-time Texas Ranger Mike Napoli [2011-2012, 2015] becomes a three-time Ranger. All on one-year deals.

Lefty Specialist Feb 08 2017 02:29 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Anyone still hanging around at this point could be had for fairly cheap, I would think.

Edgy MD Feb 08 2017 02:32 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

2016 Mets Jon Niese and Kelly Johnson (both two-timers) still texting their agents every two hours.

MFS62 Feb 09 2017 02:03 AM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Edgy MD wrote: 2016 Mets Jon Niese and Kelly Johnson (both two-timers) still texting their agents every two hours. Two-timer Bobby Bonilla is already under contract. From FK former NYM Joe Smith becomes a Blue Jay, I was hoping we could bring Joe Smith home. Later

Ashie62 Feb 12 2017 11:26 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

I am Jose Fernandez and I drove a boat under the influence of alcohol and cocaine and killed mysself and two friends. I don't know why MLB is having the Marlins wear a patch with my number on it. Did I become a role model?

DocTee Feb 13 2017 12:24 AM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Ashie62 » Sun Feb 12, 2017 7:26 pm I am Jose Fernandez and I drove a boat under the influence of alcohol and cocaine and killed mysself and two friends. I don't know why MLB is having the Marlins wear a patch with my number on it. Did I become a role model? Oh, come on.... First, I doubt that "MLB is having the Marlins wear a patch..." This is most assuredly a franchise decision and not, say, a requirement that they wear an AllStar or Postseason patch, as required by the league. On his passing, owner Jeffrey Loria declared that the number would be retired and a suitable memorial erected, so generations of fans would remember JF. He was an immigrant, and a Cuban, in a city filled with both. The circumstances of his death are immaterial. if we held everyone to the standards of sobriety and good judgment, nobody would be enshrined in Cooperstown-- maybe not even in MFY Stadium III.

dinosaur jesus Feb 13 2017 01:56 AM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

And is it known that he was driving? If he wasn't, that actually showed something like good judgment, since the other two weren't legally drunk.

Lefty Specialist Feb 13 2017 01:58 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Matt Wieters still available. Even though he's a Boras client, he could probably be had on a one-year deal at this point. Hmm.

Ashie62 Feb 13 2017 06:07 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

dinosaur jesus wrote: And is it known that he was driving? If he wasn't, that actually showed something like good judgment, since the other two weren't legally drunk. Bullshirt [url]http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article111325997.html

dinosaur jesus Feb 13 2017 06:10 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Ashie62 wrote: dinosaur jesus wrote: And is it known that he was driving? If he wasn't, that actually showed something like good judgment, since the other two weren't legally drunk. Bullshirt [url]http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article111325997.html The family says he wasn't driving. It's obvious why they'd say that, and they could certainly be wrong. Obviously you have information they don't.

MFS62 Feb 15 2017 01:48 AM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Mrs Derek Jeter is pregnant. http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/derek ... -pregnant/ I wonder if he gave her a gift basket. Please provide your additional punch lines. Later

Lefty Specialist Feb 15 2017 01:48 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Who was the sperm donor?

Benjamin Grimm Feb 15 2017 02:00 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

How funny would it be if the baby comes out looking exactly like Alex Rodriguez?

DocTee Feb 15 2017 02:22 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Big loss for the Cardinals, as highly-touted P Alex Reyes out for the year with his SECOND Tommy John surgery. They moved some other starters to accommodate him in the rotation, so are now doubly-screwed.

Frayed Knot Feb 15 2017 02:47 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Nobody from the StL side has confirmed those rumors of TJ surgery ... Yet! The official word right now is that they're waiting for the results from Tuesday's MRI. I also don't read anything about him undergoing that operation before. Hell he's still only 22 and his minor league record looks to be unbroken since being signed as an 18 y/o back in the tail end of 2012, so it he did it was as a real young'un, like 15 or 16 - although I suppose that's not unheard of these days. But even if this is still not a done deal, it's never a good sign when a pitcher is being pulled out of the first day of camp for an MRI on his moneymaker and there are certainly enough rumors flying around since yesterday TJ is inevitable. And that's especially not good when that guy is the consensus top pitching prospect in all of baseball this year (top prospect at any position acc to BP). On a semi-related note, I wish Noah Syndergaard would stop seeming so obsessed with his velocity. Both a recent SI piece and some of the quotes to the early bird reporters down in Florida over the last week or so have him dropping hints about how he's beefed up and able to throw even harder now. Ummm, not sure that should be your goal there Noah.

Frayed Knot Feb 15 2017 02:51 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Feb 15 2017 05:00 PM

And now that I write all that I see that the story has just changed to where the Cards ARE confirming that TJ is necessary. See you in mid-2018 Alex (if things go well). A line from the mlb.com story says "Reyes has been pitching with a compromised ligament in his right elbow since at least 2013, when he was diagnosed with an elbow strain" and that he didn't make his season debut on June 20 of that year.

Edgy MD Feb 15 2017 03:25 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

Yeah, Syndergaard is following the Harvey path of buying into this superhero nonsense way too much. That said, this is baseball history. Guys who throw hard get obsessed with throwing hard, comparing themselves to other guys who throw hard, and guys who threw hard back in the day. They never seem to compare themselves to guys who threw hard but burned out way too young. You want a to view yourself as a figure from mythology? How about Icarus?

DocTee Feb 15 2017 03:49 PM Re: Non-NYM Off-Season News

yes, my bad on the second surgery statement-- I read he was seeking a second opinion, and my brain saw he was facing his second operation. nonetheless, a potentially crippling blow to the redbird rotation.