The Major League Baseball Off-Season Post Vol. 24 days until Opening Day 2009

[stringer bell 32]

Originally Posted by Nowitness41Dirk

Originally Posted by FRANCHISE 55

Are there any Reds fans that could give some insight into what kind of pitcher Affeldt is? I see the numbers, but other than that is there anything else worth mentioning? What kind of stuff does he have? What pitches does he throw?

http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=583&position=Phttp://www.fangraphs.com/...ayerid=583&position=P

Bookmark that site if you haven't already... Great source of baseball info...

Thanks bro

 

[osh kosh bosh]

Originally Posted by Kiddin Like Jason

I still can't get over Jason Bartlett receiving an MVP vote. I'm appalled, really.

I could compile a list of at least 200 players who deserve that vote more than him. Players have been cut with better numbers than he had.

I would like to know who cast the vote. It has to be some kind of joke.

Old school baseball fans...OH HE SUCH A GAMER, HE'S SO GRITTY WOW....

 

[stringer bell 32]

Comcast Sports Net here in Chicago is reporting that with the Dempster resigning, the Cubs are out of the Peavy sweepstakes

Take that for what its worth

I don't know how official that is

 

[ooiron manoo]

BOSTON (AP) -- Outfielder Coco Crisp was traded from the Boston Red Sox to the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday for reliever Ramon Ramirez.

Royals general manager Dayton Moore called the switch-hitting Crisp a "championship-caliber player" who will help Kansas City move forward. Crisp is a career .280 batter in seven seasons with the Cleveland and the Red Sox.

The 29-year-old Crisp started 98 games for the Red Sox last season while sharing the center field job with rookie Jacoby Ellsbury. He stole 20 bases in 27 attempts, marking the third season in a row he's reached the 20-steal mark.

The trade frees up some money for Boston. Crisp is owed $5.75 million next season, with an $8 million club option for 2010 or a $500,000 buyout.

Ramirez is a 27-year-old right-hander who had a 2.64 ERA in 71 2-3 innings last season.

Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Looks like Jacoby is getting the full time gig.

I don't like the Dempster deal, 4 years-$52million,

....

. That isa lot of dough for a guy that just returned to being a starting pitcher. Cubs keep overpaying.

 

[swingmanike]

Dempster got way to much money for a contract based on a fluke season.

His resume prior to this year has one good first half with the Marlins when he somehow made the All-Star team. Aside from that and this fluke year he hasnothing to really show.

Give that much money to a pitcher who you hope has figured out how to pitch at age 31 is ridiculous.

They should have been more focused on dealing Marquis who is about to get paid 9.5 million this year.

 

[wildkycat]

^

Hard trying to predict Dempster's future

Tuesday, November 18, 2008 | Feedback | Print Entry

For Ryan Dempster, it's been a long, strange road to his new $52 million contract. Dempster is 31 and has pitched enough innings to qualify for the ERA title in only four seasons:
[table][tr][td]Ryan Dempster[/td] [/tr][tr][td][/td] [td]IP[/td] [td]HR[/td] [td]K/9[/td] [td]K/W[/td] [td]ERA[/td] [/tr][tr][td]2001[/td] [td]226[/td] [td]30[/td] [td]8.3[/td] [td]2.2[/td] [td]3.66[/td] [/tr][tr][td]2002[/td] [td]211[/td] [td]21[/td] [td]7.3[/td] [td]1.5[/td] [td]4.94[/td] [/tr][tr][td]2003[/td] [td]209[/td] [td]28[/td] [td]6.7[/td] [td]1.7[/td] [td]5.38[/td] [/tr][tr][td]2008[/td] [td]207[/td] [td]14[/td] [td]8.1[/td] [td]2.5[/td] [td]2.96[/td] [/tr][/table]I'm not sure whether any other pitcher has made exactly this progression, from good starter to terrible starter to reliever to great starter. What's more, after a fine bullpen season in 2005, Dempster wasn't particularly effective as a reliever in 2006 or 2007 (if he had been, the Cubs might not have shifted him back to the rotation).

Again, Dempster turns 32 this spring, and his career record for consecutive good seasons as a starting pitcher is one. He's got two such streaks, seven years apart.

Searching for an explanation for Dempster's success in 2008, I found this Jack Curry column from this past June:


Dempster is 9-2 with a 2.63 earned run average and has been the premier starter on the best team in the major leagues. He is especially formidable at cozy Wrigley Field, where he is 9-0 with a 2.71. Manager Lou Piniella linked some of Dempster's success to his offseason preparation.

"I tell you what, he came to camp ready to fight De La Hoya for 15 rounds," said Piniella, referring to Oscar De La Hoya, the boxer. "I mean, he was in shape and he was on a mission and he's gotten off to a great start."

Since Dempster had to train his right arm to be ready to throw 100 or more pitches an outing again (he had been a starter earlier in his career), he said it was imperative to be as fit as a Navy [SEAL].

"For me, I just didn't want to come back and be a five-inning guy," Dempster said. "Not only did I come back in good shape, I did a lot of stuff with my arm. I did a lot of shoulder maintenance, stuff like that."

As a reliever, Dempster said he was constantly trying to record strikeouts. But, as a starter, he has had to remind himself that is OK if batters put the ball in play because that reduces his pitch count. Dempster said he now prefers starting because "you can pitch a little." He throws a fastball, a slider and a split-finger fastball.


Whatever Dempster has been reminding himself, the fact is that his strikeout rate this season was significantly higher than last season and his highest since 2005. And Dempster has worked hard before. "The Scouting Notebook 2002" refers to Dempster's "second straight winter of intense workouts" leading to mid-90s fastballs in 2001.

The only real difference I can find between now and then is Dempster's third pitch. According to multiple sources, early in his career he complemented his fastball and slider with a straight changeup. Now he's apparently throwing a splitter. Also, according to data from Bill James Online, Dempster significantly upped his percentage of fastballs thrown, from 45 percent in 2007 to 55 percent in 2008.

What does all of it mean? Ask a scout. But there's one number that gives one pause: 14.

Dempster gave up only 14 home runs in 2008. I don't believe that number is sustainable. Dempster's ground-ball and fly-ball rates have not changed significantly, and I see no reason to think he's the second coming of Derek Lowe or Brandon Webb. My guess is that in 2009 and beyond, Dempster will give up 20 to 30 home runs per season, which will leave him somewhere in the middle of the continuum that extends from Cy Young candidate to Innings Eater. Is that worth $13 million per season in this market? Yes, if Dempster is healthy enough to give the Cubs 750 innings over the life of the contract.

 

[wildkycat]

Red Sox send Crisp to Kansas City for Ramirez

i hate Coco Crisp.

 

[stringer bell 32]

I think the Dempster contract is fairly reasonable for the most consistent starter on the Cubs last season.

 

[wildkycat]

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[h4]Braves still open to Jake Peavy trade?[/h4]
Which is why Jake Peavy made the most sense for the Braves, and still does, if you ask me. And no, I don't believe that the Braves have shut the door on this potential blockbuster. And no, Peavy has not told friends he doesn't want to pitch for the Braves. He and his agent gave the Padres a list of five teams for which Jake would considering waiving his no-trade clause in a potential deal, and since they made that list nothing has changed about the city of Atlanta, its location in proximity to Peavy's native Alabama, or its franchise and its chances, whatever they might be, of contending for a playoff spot next season. Of course, one other team on that list is the Chicago Cubs, who I'm figuring would be less inclined, not more, to sweeten their original offer for Peavy, now that Dempster's back in the fold. -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution

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[h4]Bernie Williams would like to comeback with '09 Yanks[/h4]
Just in case any GMs like Brian Cashman are interested, Bernie Williams also said he has not shut the door on his baseball career. Williams, 40, is not totally ready to move forward away from baseball. Playing in the new Yankee Stadium would be a dream come true for the legendary Yankee center fielder, always a fan favorite. "I'm looking to keeping my options open, keep working out,'' explained Williams, who last played in 2006. "It's been a great two years. I've had the opportunity to do things that I never really had the opportunity to do when I was playing. I had the chance to travel. Take my kids to school, watch my kid graduate from high school, a lot of things that I never would have never had the opportunity to do if I had been playing the game.'' -- NY Post


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[h4]Mets will sign K-Rod or Fuentes?[/h4]
The Mets will sign either Francisco Rodriguez or Brian Fuentes to be their closer. Whom they sign will depend on the contract terms. The free-agent market on closers has diminished to where the Mets, the only big-market team looking for an elite reliever, should have their pick of either K-Rod or Fuentes, the top two available options. Though clubs such as Milwaukee and Texas will be shopping for a closer, as well, the struggling economy has limited many clubs' budgets. -- Newsday


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[h4]Nats' Kasten Plays Down Teixeira Talk[/h4]
Washington Nationals President Stan Kasten yesterday sought to quell speculation regarding the team's reported pursuit of first baseman Mark Teixeira, arguably the most coveted free agent on this winter's market, saying any such talk "is way ahead of us here." Kasten declined to characterize the Nationals' interest in Teixeira, 28, a Severna Park product who split this past season between the Braves and Angels, hitting a combined .308 with 33 homers and 121 RBI, his fifth straight 30-homer, 100-RBI season. The Washington Post, quoting team and league sources, reported Friday that the Nationals were preparing an offer for Teixeira that they believed would be competitive with others he is likely to receive. No indication was given as to the timing of such an offer. However, Kasten yesterday played down the Nationals' chances of landing Teixeira, who is expected to attract interest from some of the game's richest teams, including the Angels, Red Sox and -- possibly -- Yankees, and who could command a contract of $150 million or more for eight or more years. "I don't want people to have unrealistic expectations," Kasten said. -- Washington Post


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[h4]Giants in Manny Ramirez sweepstakes?[/h4]
Free agent shortstop Rafael Furcal is widely popular these days with the Giants, Athletics and even the Braves, if they trade Yunel Escobar. The Giants are also lurking in the Manny Ramirez sweepstakes. -- Denver Post


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[h4]Astros dealing Valverde and Wigginton?[/h4]
Goodbye, Jose Valverde. You, too, Ty Wigginton. Pick up your lovely parting gifts at the door. The Astros seem likely to trade both of them in the next few weeks. You won't like the reason. Don't shoot the messenger. The Astros finished last season with a payroll of around $100 million after the acquisitions of Randy Wolf and LaTroy Hawkins. To keep that team together for 2009 would cost about $120 million. That's the number the Astros have come up with after factoring in the raises Valverde, Wigginton and Wandy Rodriguez probably will get in arbitration. Besides, Valverde and Wigginton will be free agents a year from now. Trade 'em a year early instead of a year late. -- Houston Chronicle


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[h4]Padres Giles unlikely to be shopped[/h4]
After speaking recently with General Manager Kevin Towers, Giles said yesterday he has no sense the Padres will attempt to trade him this offseason. "I don't see how that would be a thought for them, to pick up my option and try to trade me before spring training," Giles said. "I think they picked up my option to be one of the pieces to try to win here. I don't think they picked up my option to try to trade me." Towers, for his part, said Giles has not been discussed in the lengthy Peavy trade talks with the Cubs, who are looking for a left-handed hitter/right fielder. "I'm going to play here," said Giles, whose trade value would derive largely from a gaudy .404 career on-base percentage. -- San Diego Union-Tribune


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[h4]Cubs showing interest in Royals' Teahen, DeJesus[/h4]
The search by the Chicago Cubs for a left-handed bat is targeting Royals outfielder Mark Teahen as a possible solution. ... The Cubs have long coveted outfielder David DeJesus but, failing that, appear open to acquiring Teahen, who projects to make $3 million-plus next season through arbitration or a negotiated deal. The Royals prefer to keep DeJesus, especially if he can be shifted to left field by acquiring a center fielder. Sources on both sides say talks remain in the initial stages but acknowledge that could change in coming days. -- KC Star


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[h4]Casey Blake to Dodgers or Indians[/h4]
Casey Blake continues to draw interest from the Indians, Dodgers and other teams as a free agent. "I won't tell you if we've made an offer, but we have had productive talks with Jim McDowell [Blake's agent]," said Dodger GM Ned Colletti. McDowell and the Indians have been talking as well. McDowell said his client is looking for a three-year deal. The Indians would rather do a one or two-year deal. The Indians traded Blake to the Dodgers on July 26. -- Cleveland Plain Dealer

[h4]Ibanez to Mets, Phils or Dodgers?[/h4]
The Mets continue to maintain communication with free agent Raul Iba�ez, who interests them as an outfield bat, but they'll face competition for the 36-year-old. The Phillies, the defending World Series champions, have expressed interest in Iba�ez, who could replace free agent Pat Burrell in leftfield. So have the Dodgers, who could sign Iba�ez if they can't retain Manny Ramirez, the Cubs, the Royals and the Mariners, with whom Iba�ez spent the past five years. -- Newsday


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[h4]Ryan Dempster admits Cubs were not prepared for playoffs[/h4]
The most surprising theory on the Cubs' collapse belongs to Ryan Dempster, who said the Cubs were not "prepared" for the best-of-five series against the Dodgers, despite being swept by Arizona one year earlier. "Maybe we underestimated how prepared you have to be, how ready you have to be, especially in a five-game series," Dempster said. "It's like a short heavyweight bout. Ding, the bell is ringing, you've got to go." Asked if Lou Piniella's "100-year" comment had any merit, Dempster repeated his assertion the Cubs simply weren't prepared. "I think sometimes we almost expected it, go out there and play hard and we're good enough and just expect it to happen, and we'll win this series and then the next one and all the excitement will happen once we get to the World Series," he said. "Maybe L.A. was just a little more prepared for us than we were for them." -- Chicago Tribune


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[h4]Red Sox enter the fray for A.J. Burnett[/h4]
The Boston Red Sox have apparently thrown their hats into the ring in what could become a three-way battle between AL East rivals to land free-agent left hander A.J. Burnett. The New York Yankees are known to covet Burnett, along with lefty CC Sabathia and sinkerball specialist Derek Lowe, and the Toronto Blue Jays would like to keep the 6-5, 205-pound Burnett; in fact, they've reportedly offered him $52 million over four years to stay north of the border. The Yankees, who are mostly focused on Sabathia at the moment, say they are in preliminary talks with Burnett's agent, Darek Braunecker. -- Providence Journal


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[h4]Giants want SS Rafael Furcal[/h4]
The Giants remain hot on the trail of free-agent shortstop Rafael Furcal. Agent Paul Kinzer declined comment when asked if the Giants had presented a contract offer; Furcal has many suitors and is expected to get a deal in the four-year, $44 million range. -- San Jose Mercury News


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[h4]Randy Johnson is Cubs Plan B[/h4]
If the Cubs can't get Peavy, they will turn to Plan B--45-year-old free agent Randy Johnson, who would be a one-year fix. That obviously would push Jason Marquis to the bullpen, where he hasn't fared well. Marquis is owed nearly $10 million in '09, the final year of a three-year, $21 million deal, making him difficult to trade. -- Chicago Tribune


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[h4]Rockies could make play for Orlando Hudson?[/h4]
There's been some chatter that the Rockies will make a play for free agent second baseman Orlando Hudson. He would fit based on his energy, personality and production. But I don't see it. Hudson is going to command a hefty contract in years and dollars, a commitment that's hard to see the Rockies making given their strong devotion to prospects. -- Denver Post


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[h4]Braves should avoid Brad Penny[/h4]
I see a lot of names thrown about here of alternatives that would cost the Braves a lot less, including even the likes of Brad Penny. Nevermind that the Dodgers didn't want him back after the way he handled things this year. Do you people realize he's pitched 200 innings just once in the past seven seasons, and never struck out 150 in that span? That he had a 6.27 ERA this season, and that left-handers batted .328 against him, and that all hitters batted an unsightly .375 against with runners on base, worst among NL starters? Please. Can we never bring that option up again this winter? -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution

[h4]Tigers interested in lefty Beimel[/h4]
Add Joe Beimel to the list of left-handed relievers the Tigers have explored. The club has been in touch with his agent and shown interest, according to the Detroit Free Press. While the Tigers have placed priority on adding a shortstop, catcher and closer, they've also started to at least explore the option of upgrading the left side of their bullpen. Detroit also has shown interest in fellow free agents Darren Oliver and Arthur Rhodes. Several other options exist on the trade market. -- MLB.com


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[h4]Indians prospect 3B Wes Hodges having superb season at Arizona Fall League[/h4]
Right now third base is unmanned for the Indians. Jhonny Peralta, Asdrubal Cabrera, Casey Blake, Garrett Atkins and Joe Crede are among the people who could be playing there in 2009. Beyond that, maybe in one or two years, it could be Wes Hodges. The Arizona Fall League ends Thursday and Hodges has made a good impression there. He's hitting .354 (35-for-99) with seven doubles, six homers and 26 RBI for the Surprise Rafters. He has 19 strikeouts, three walks and a .981 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage). "He's always been an impressive hitter," said Ross Atkins, Indians director of player development. "He has good plate coverage and he's very competitive -- it doesn't matter if he's facing Phil Hughes or a minor leaguer. He goes to the plate with no fear." Hughes, the highly regarded Yankees right-hander, faced Hodges in Arizona this fall. -- Cleveland Plain Dealer

[h4]Royals Teahen to Cubs?[/h4]
Free agents Raul Ibanez and Bobby Abreu have been mentioned, but don't be surprised if Cubs GM Jim Hendry instead adds a lesser hitter with more flexibility, such as the Kansas City Royals' Mark Teahen. According to major league sources, Hendry spoke to the Royals' Dayton Moore about Teahen and David DeJesus at the general managers' meetings two weeks ago. Since then Hendry has concentrated on re-signing Dempster--accomplished Tuesday--or trading for Jake Peavy, putting other matters on the back burner. But sources indicate the Cubs-Royals talks will heat up with Dempster's deal done. DeJesus would not be moved cheaply, but sources hinted the Cubs could get the 27-year-old Teahen for a package built around either Felix Pie or one of two young infielders, Mike Fontenot and Ronny Cedeno. -- Chicago Tribune


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[h4]http://www.twincities.com/ci_11017294]Twins Morneau lost MVP with .100 last 8 games[/url][/h4]
Justin Morneau figured he would have had to excel the last couple of weeks of the season to win his second American League Most Valuable Player Award. But the Twins first baseman hit .100 (3 for 30) in his last eight games. For the year he hit .300 with 23 home runs and 129 runs batted in in 163 games, including career highs in walks (76) and doubles (47). Some of those late-season games were nationally televised while MVP voters still had ballots in their hands. Morneau, 27, hit just two homers and batted .243 in September. Had he delivered at the plate in the last two weeks, there would have been no debate -- he easily would have been voted MVP. -- Pioneer Press


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[h4]http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bb/6120182.html]Astros would love to deal Tejada[/url][/h4]
Miguel Tejada? Astros GM Ed Wade probably would trade him in a heartbeat, but he'll make $13 million in 2009, and that's a big number for a 34-year-old shortstop with diminished range and who had three home runs and a .312 on-base percentage after the All-Star break. -- Houston Chronicle

[h4]http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-19-cubs-whats-next-chicagonov19,0,2344641.story]Cubs interested in Rafael Furcal?[/url][/h4]
The Cubs also are interested in free-agent shortstop Rafael Furcal, who is seeking $10 million per year for three or four years after hitting .357 in 36 games for the Dodgers in 2008. Furcal's agent said they have spoken to the Cubs, but it's "nothing serious" yet. -- Chicago Tribune

 

[dr 715]

[h3]Giants will make an offer to Sabathia[/h3]
CC Sabathia | Brewers | Interested: Yankees, Giants?
The auction for free agent CC Sabathia will include the Giants, according to a report in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The newspaper cited an agent familiar with the situation who expects the Giants to make an offer to Sabathia. The left-hander is a native of Vallejo, California near San Francisco and has told friends that he "likes the idea" of playing in his home state. The Journal Sentinel cited another agent who expects the Angels to enter the Sabathia sweepstakes at some point. The Brewers still hope to retain Sabathia, who was acquired at midseason and led them to a wild card berth in 2008. Milwaukee opened the bidding with a reported five-year $100 million offer. Various reports claim the Yankees tried to blow away the competition with a six-year, $140 million offer. Brewers general manager Doug Melvin has yet to make a counter offer. "I'm not at that point yet," Melvin told the Journal Sentinel. "We're still waiting at this point. The free agent market is always slow to develop." Another possible suitor is the Dodgers. The Star Ledger in New Jersey reported that Los Angeles is considering making a six-year offer to Sabathia worth $110 million to $120 million.

 

[johnnyredstorm]

Heilman has demanded either a trade or to be moved to the rotation. Hopefully the former happens.

 

[wildkycat]

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[h4]Source: Red Sox hot after Teixeira[/h4]
One baseball source, familiar with the Red Sox' thinking this offseason, said the club's "lust" factor is very strong for Mark Teixeira, who was on the Georgia Tech sideline with Sox catcher Jason Varitek for last night's ACC football game against Miami in Atlanta. "For a team that liked J.D. Drew, they absolutely love Teixeira," said the source. The Sox will not be publicly prioritizing their free agent wish list in the coming weeks. But as the winter meetings approach early next month, expect the buzz about Teixeira to only get louder. -- Boston Herald

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[h4]Report: Luis Castillo begs Mets not to trade him[/h4]
The Post has learned, Luis Castillo requested an offseason meeting in which he implored Mets officials not to trade him and also pledged to re-dedicate himself to offseason training to assure he is in top condition next season. In the October meeting with GM Omar Minaya and top lieutenant Tony Bernazard, Castillo accepted responsibility for his out-of-shape, poor 2008 and stated a desire to make amends - in New York. Mets officials were pleased that Castillo did not want to flee from the problems. Instead, he stated a desire to play and win as a Met, and change the fans' booing opinion of him, as well. "He wanted to let the front office know that he was disappointed in how the year went, and promise to do everything he could to get in shape and be the kind of player he had been for 10 years," Minaya said. Minaya and Bernazard stressed in the meeting that Castillo must project a more positive demeanor, and that he cannot allow himself to show up in as poor shape this spring training as he did following knee surgery last year. The Mets' head trainer, Ray Ramirez, has been overseeing Castillo's offseason regimen. -- NY Post


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[h4]ChiSox add Cuban teenager[/h4]
The White Sox have reached an agreement to sign 19-year-old power hitter Dayan Viciedo to a major-league contract worth $10 million, according to sources. Agent Jaime Torres confirmed the deal, but the official announcement is on hold until Viciedo, a third baseman who also played right field during a tryout earlier this week in the Dominican Republic, completes a physical. -- Chicago Tribune


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[h4]A's and Giants want Furcal?[/h4]
Oakland and San Francisco are among the most active suitors of free-agent shortstop Rafael Furcal. The Athletics want to move former Rookie of the Year Bobby Crosby, who has battled injuries since that first season, and the Giants are looking to replace veteran Omar Vizquel. -- Rocky Mountain News


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[h4]Casey Blake draws interest from Dodgers, Indians and Twins[/h4]
Jim McDowell, Casey Blake's agent, says he's received a couple of offers for the versatile former Indian. He's been in contact with Chris Antonetti, Indians assistant general manager, but they have yet to make Blake an offer. "There's interest going both ways," said McDowell. "Casey, obviously, likes the Indians." Blake spent 51.2 years with the Indians before they traded him to the Dodgers on July 26. McDowell speculated that Blake could sign before Thanksgiving, but admitted the logjam in the free agent market probably needs to break before his client gets paid. McDowell thinks Blake will get a three-year deal because of his consistent production and health over his career, but added teams are still waiting to see what his market value is. Blake made $6.1 million last season as an everyday third baseman. The Twins and Dodgers are interested in Blake. It's believed the Twins have made him an offer. -- Cleveland Plain Dealer


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[h4]Phillies not looking long term at second base[/h4]
Second baseman Chase Utley could miss four to six months after surgery next week on his right hip, and third baseman Pedro Feliz may need eight to 12 weeks to recuperate from yesterday's lower-back surgery, but that hasn't changed what the team hopes to accomplish this off-season. The Phillies sounded optimistic yesterday that Utley, who will have the surgery in New York, would miss a minimal portion of the season, certainly not enough to force the Phillies to look for a long-term solution at second base. That means they won't be making any phone calls to Orlando Hudson, the top free-agent second baseman on the market. -- Philadelphia Inquirer

[h4]Minnesota Twins uniform to commemorate first season in Dome[/h4]
The Twins will turn back the clock for their final season in the Metrodome. On home Saturdays next season, the Twins will wear throwback uniforms from 1982, their first season in the Dome. First baseman Justin Morneau and pitcher Glen Perkins will be at the IDS Center in downtown Minneapolis at noon Monday to model the uniforms. The Twins also announced that they will wear a final-season commemorative patch on their regular jerseys. They will move into Target Field for the 2010 season. -- Pioneer Press

 

[ddot7]

Originally Posted by wildKYcat


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[h4]Report: Luis Castillo begs Mets not to trade him[/h4]
The Post has learned, Luis Castillo requested an offseason meeting in which he implored Mets officials not to trade him and also pledged to re-dedicate himself to offseason training to assure he is in top condition next season. In the October meeting with GM Omar Minaya and top lieutenant Tony Bernazard, Castillo accepted responsibility for his out-of-shape, poor 2008 and stated a desire to make amends - in New York. Mets officials were pleased that Castillo did not want to flee from the problems. Instead, he stated a desire to play and win as a Met, and change the fans' booing opinion of him, as well. "He wanted to let the front office know that he was disappointed in how the year went, and promise to do everything he could to get in shape and be the kind of player he had been for 10 years," Minaya said. Minaya and Bernazard stressed in the meeting that Castillo must project a more positive demeanor, and that he cannot allow himself to show up in as poor shape this spring training as he did following knee surgery last year. The Mets' head trainer, Ray Ramirez, has been

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[h4]Phillies not looking long term at second base[/h4]
Second baseman Chase Utley could miss four to six months after surgery next week on his right hip, and third baseman Pedro Feliz may need eight to 12 weeks to recuperate from yesterday's lower-back surgery, but that hasn't changed what the team hopes to accomplish this off-season. The Phillies sounded optimistic yesterday that Utley, who will have the surgery in New York, would miss a minimal portion of the season, certainly not enough to force the Phillies to look for a long-term solution at second base. That means they won't be making any phone calls to Orlando Hudson, the top free-agent second baseman on the market. -- Philadelphia Inquirer



Chase Utley's surgery, I'll be there to observe. Might have a few Junior Mints on hand...

And Castillo, that's kinda sad. I mean, it'd be nice if he can get on the right track but it's also a matter of whether dude can even stay healthyor not, no matter how hard he dedicates himself during the offseason. I want to see him gone regardless.

 

[osh kosh bosh]

Originally Posted by JohnnyRedStorm

Heilman has demanded either a trade or to be moved to the rotation. Hopefully the former happens.

His shoulder will blow up...some of the WORST mechanics since Prior.

 

[wildkycat]

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[h4]CC Sabathia could decide on new team before turkey day[/h4]
The Yankees offered CC Sabathia, 28, a six-year deal worth about $140 million on Nov. 14, and Sabathia has been waiting to see what other options present themselves. While Sabathia's preferences for the West Coast and the National League are well known, neither the Dodgers nor the Giants appears inclined to bid heavily for his services. The only other public offer for Sabathia has come from Milwaukee, which attempted to retain the lefthander with a five-year deal worth about $100 million. Sabathia makes his full-time home in Northern California, and it's believed he'll be there this week as the action intensifies. While he originally planned to make his decision after the Thanksgiving weekend, he could move more quickly if so mandated by the other players in the equation. -- Newsday

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[h4]Furcal: A's have offered 4-years, $48 mil contract[/h4]
Dodgers free agent SS Rafael Furcal told El Caribe that the Athletics are offering him a deal of 48 million and four years plus incentives that could round up 50 million. "The offer from the Athletics and the New York Mets looks tempting, but everything we decide then that I meet with my lawyer, because there are several factors that we have to evaluate, but in general all the offers that we are doing are important and we want to make a decision well thought out, "said Furcal. -- El Caribe


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[h4]Red Sox move on Junichi Tazawa[/h4]
The Red Sox' interest in 22-year-old Junichi Tazawa has been known for some time. But according to a Japanese baseball Web site, the club has offered the pitcher a $6 million contract. The Web site, npbtracker.com, citing the "Sanspo" media outlet, said Red Sox vice president of international scouting Craig Shipley extended the offer to Tazawa in Japan, though it is unclear if the deal is a major league contract or not. There is no consensus yet that the young right-hander, who has been pitching in the Japanese industrial league, is seasoned enough to begin playing in the United States at the major league level. There has also been disagreement about just how high Tazawa's ceiling is, with some Japanese baseball insiders saying he has not been scouted thoroughly enough and is drawing undue attention by simply becoming a free agent at a time when other Japanese prospects are not. Besides the Red Sox, Tazawa has drawn interest from the Mariners, Tigers and Braves. He throws in the mid-90s, with a curveball, changeup and split-fingered fastball. -- Boston Herald


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[h4]Tigers still looking at shortstop Jack Wilson[/h4]
Nearly 16 months after the Tigers came close to acquiring him at the 2007 trade deadline, the team is interested in obtaining shortstop Jack Wilson from the Pittsburgh Pirates, an industry official confirmed to the Free Press on Friday. Wilson is due $7.25 million in 2009 and $8.4 million (or a $600,000 buyout) in 2010. In that respect, he fits an important criterion in the Tigers' search for a shortstop: Wilson's contract is short enough that prospect Cale Iorg could inherit the everyday job at some point in 2010. -- Detroit Free Press


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[h4]Royals 'focusing' on Cubs Fontenot, Marshall in return for Teahen[/h4]
The Mark Teahen-to-the-Cubs rumor has resurfaced in Chicago. The Chicago Tribune reported on Sunday that "Kansas City is focused" on second baseman Mike Fontenot and left-handed pitcher Sean Marshall in a possible trade for Teahen. Teahen's name was linked to the Cubs in mid-October before the Royals had added to their outfield by obtaining Coco Crisp in a deal with the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday. -- MLB.com


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[h4]Big Unit, Dunn, Hudson won't be back with Arizona[/h4]
Randy Johnson, coming off a remarkable season for a 44-year-old, won't be back despite his willingness to return at half his 2008 salary ($13 million). Financially, the Diamondbacks couldn't make it work. Second baseman Orlando Hudson, slugger Adam Dunn and relievers Juan Cruz and Brandon Lyon are expected to find more-lucrative deals elsewhere, and the Diamondbacks are left to troll for bargain replacements. -- Arizona Republic


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[h4]Delmon Young could be moved by Twins?[/h4]
It remains unclear whether the Twins will be able to move outfielder Delmon Young, but they are intent on trading for bullpen help. -- Pioneer Press


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[h4]Twins top choice is Casey Blake?[/h4]
Word is the Twins are the top choice of free-agent third baseman Casey Blake, but whether the Twins make a play for him will be determined by whether he demands a three-year contract rather than a two-year deal. A two-year deal guaranteeing about $12 million should bring him back to Minnesota soon. Blake, 35, who is from Iowa, would be a perfect fit in the Minnesota clubhouse. -- Pioneer Press


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[h4]Baldelli could play a role with Red Sox[/h4]
The Red Sox are doing due diligence on free agent Rocco Baldelli, who could be in the mix as a fourth outfielder after the team dealt Coco Crisp to the Kansas City Royals last week for reliever Ramon Ram�rez. According to major league sources, Baldelli, from Cumberland, R.I., met with the Red Sox at Fenway late last week to discuss his future and the effects of the mitochondrial disorder that limited him to 80 at-bats with the Rays last season. -- Boston Globe


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[h4]Rays Edwin Jackson to Mets?[/h4]
One potentially intriguing trade possibility is the Rays' Edwin Jackson, the 25-year-old righthander with the big fastball and plenty of potential. Lack of command kept him from living up to early raves, but he showed signs of blossoming in 2008, going 14-11 with a 4.42 ERA. With David Price on the horizon, the Rays have a surplus of starting pitching. One Rays person said Tampa has interest in Aaron Heilman - "as a reliever, not a starter" - but said the Rays value Jackson's potential as worth more than that. "It would have to be more," the person said. "I know that some of our guys think Jackson started to turn the corner this year, and they think he could still be something special." It's not pitching the Rays need anyway. They're looking for a right fielder, so if the Mets really want Jackson, and perhaps a prospect too, they could probably do it by offering Ryan Church, whose lefthanded bat they could replace with free agent Raul Iba�ez. -- NY Daily News


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[h4]Marmol could be Cubs new closer?[/h4]
Is Carlos Marmol the Cubs' new closer? Probably, but not until Marmol proves he can handle it better than newly acquired Kevin Gregg. "The best way to handle that is to let them go to spring training and compete," Lou Piniella said. "I'm comfortable with Marmol. He's pitched very well here the last two years. And the other kid saved 29 games this year for the Marlins, so not bad." -- Chicago Tribune


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[h4]Mets to pass on Derek Lowe, might try cheaper options[/h4]
Derek Lowe is a hotter commodity in the free-agent market than the Mets envisioned, a development that is forcing them to rethink their plan of signing the 35-year-old righthander and plugging him into Oliver Perez's spot in the starting rotation. The Mets aren't conceding anything yet, but privately they admit they didn't expect Lowe to be in such high demand, and they worry that with the Yankees and Red Sox in the hunt, they may have to lower their sights for a starting pitcher. -- NY Daily News


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[h4]Red Sox talk with Burnett[/h4]
The Sox also have talked to free agent starting pitcher A.J. Burnett, but those talks have been preliminary in nature. The Sox would have to take a long look at the medical records of Burnett, who has had only two seasons in which he's made 30 or more starts, but all indications are the Sox have not yet reached that point. -- Boston Globe


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[h4]Ohman and Beimel on Rockies radar for relief help[/h4]
With Brian Fuentes' exit a foregone conclusion, the Rockies' search for a left-handed reliever has led them toward Ponderosa High School alumnus Will Ohman. The Rockies have spoken to Ohman's agent, but have yet to make a contract offer to the 31-year-old free agent. "They are talking to me," said Page Odle, Ohman's agent. As many as 10 teams are pursuing Ohman as left-handed relievers have become the hottest item on the free-agent market. Ohman, who has received an offer from Atlanta, went 4-1 with a 3.68 ERA in 83 games for the Braves last season. Joe Beimel, who is not returning to the Dodgers, tops a list of available free-agent lefty relievers that includes former Rockies Darren Oliver and Dennys Reyes, and Alan Embree and Eddie Guardado, whom Colorado has liked in the past. -- Denver Post

[h4]Jon Garland draws interest from Mets?[/h4]
The Mets have interest in Jon Garland, the free-agent righthander who went 14-8 for the Angels despite a 4.90 ERA, and they would consider trading for Javier Vazquez, who went 12-16 with a 4.67ERA for the White Sox. -- NY Daily News


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[h4]Sources: Red Sox Initial offer to Varitek for one year[/h4]
According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the Red Sox' initial contract offer to free agent catcher Jason Varitek this offseason was for one year. It was not determined what the monetary worth of the offer would be, although indications were that it didn't approach the annual average commanded by Jorge Posada ($13.1 million). Varitek's agent, Scott Boras, referenced the Yankee catcher's contract as an appropriate point of reference when assessing his client's worth at the General Managers' meetings early this month. Red Sox officials refused comment on the negotiations, while Varitek's representatives did not respond to inquiries on the matter. -- WEEI

 

[darthska]

Just now read on ESPN's ticker that we (Angels) have apparently thrown our hat into the Sabathia sweepstakes instead of waiting for the Teixeira pricetagto drop.

I like it.

$140mil is what the Angels have reportedly prepared as an offer.

 

[tbone95860]

Originally Posted by 23ska909red02

Just now read on ESPN's ticker that we (Angels) have apparently thrown our hat into the Sabathia sweepstakes instead of waiting for the Teixeira pricetag to drop.
I like it.
$140mil is what the Angels have reportedly prepared as an offer.

DAMN the Angels! Damn you!!
Yanks better up the offer I guess

If the Angels get CC I'm going to be so heated.
If you guys steal CC.... we're stealing Tex right back.

 

[darthska]

And what have I always said regarding the high-dollar signings of pitchers and batters?

I'd take the pitcher.

Every time.

So take Teix. Trust me, I love the dude. Him on my team was one of those rare times in sports where a guy you genuinely liked... ended up on your team. I likedTeix in Tex, I liked Teix in ATL, and I was so freaking happy hearing that he was an Angel.

But take him. Given a choice between the two, I'd choose CC every time.

Aren't his postseason numbers pretty crappy though? Teix wasn't outstanding for us, I know that. Not terrible. Not great.

 

[tbone95860]

Originally Posted by 23ska909red02

And what have I always said regarding the high-dollar signings of pitchers and batters?
I'd take the pitcher.
Every time.
So take Teix. Trust me, I love the dude. Him on my team was one of those rare times in sports where a guy you genuinely liked... ended up on your team. I liked Teix in Tex, I liked Teix in ATL, and I was so freaking happy hearing that he was an Angel.
But take him. Given a choice between the two, I'd choose CC every time.
Aren't his postseason numbers pretty crappy though? Teix wasn't outstanding for us, I know that. Not terrible. Not great.

So would I... I'd choose CC every time. that's why I said I'll be so heated and put

We want CC... I want CC.
That being said... we need to make up for losing some offense from last year... and our offense sucked last year in comparison to many previous years.

 

[overtime626]

i dont care if the yanks have to hit 160+, we need CC, i'll deal with all the payroll this and payroll that hooplah from other fans, put CC inpinstripes!!!!!

 

[darthska]

overtime626:

---

i dont care if the yanks Angels have to hit 160+, we need CC, i'll deal with all the payroll this and payroll that hooplah from other fans, put a Halo on CC in pinstripes!!!!!
Fixed.

 

[overtime626]

 

[dland24]

Originally Posted by 23ska909red02

overtime626:

---

i dont care if the yanks Angels have to hit 160+, we need CC, i'll deal with all the payroll this and payroll that hooplah from other fans, put a Halo on CC in pinstripes!!!!!

Fixed.

Dont know what you guys are arguing about. Hes coming home.

 

[osh kosh bosh]

Originally Posted by 23ska909red02

And what have I always said regarding the high-dollar signings of pitchers and batters?

I'd take the pitcher.

Every time.

So take Teix. Trust me, I love the dude. Him on my team was one of those rare times in sports where a guy you genuinely liked... ended up on your team. I liked Teix in Tex, I liked Teix in ATL, and I was so freaking happy hearing that he was an Angel.

But take him. Given a choice between the two, I'd choose CC every time.

Aren't his postseason numbers pretty crappy though? Teix wasn't outstanding for us, I know that. Not terrible. Not great.

This doesn't make sense to me at all. Tex will have a larger effect on the teams success then CC ever could merely by the virtue of Tex beingan everyday player.
Also that offense is mediocre as hell without Tex, how many teams go far in the playoffs without an elite hitter? Plus that infield defense is what made alotof your ground ball pitchers so effective and Tex is the best fielding 1st baseman in the game.

 

[mr jordan04]

yanks are gettin CC. theyre just gonna offer a higher salary than any other team