Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums
Welcome to Our Forums. Once you've registered and logged in, you're primed to talk football, among other topics, with the sharpest and most experienced fantasy players on the internet.
Baseball Free Agency Rumors... (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Yankee23Fan
- Start date
Yankee23Fan
Fair Tax!
Nomar, Kim, Williamson and a prospect for Gagne?
randall146
Footballguy
Geez could we throw in Varitek, Pedro, and Lowe too?
Yankee23Fan
Fair Tax!
I was being serious.I'm guessing that the Sox would be happy to rid themselves of Kim and wouldn't consider him too much of a loss in any deal, and the Dodgers would want a RP back, hence Williamson. Maybe the prospect is a bit much, but I thought it was an interesting idea.If I'm the Dodgers I don't move Gagne at all, so I was trying to look at it from that point of view.
Yankee23Fan
Fair Tax!
The more I look at the FA field the more I am excited about this offseason for baseball in general.You could put together a championship team with the guys that are availible.C - Ivan Rodriguez1B - Rafeal Palmiero2B - Luis Castillo3B - Tony BatistaSS - Miguel TejadaOF - Gary Sheffield, Shannon Stewart, Vladimir GuerreroSP - Pettite, Colon, Hitchcock, Escobar, EstesRP - Sullivan, Guardado, Foulke, Benetiz, Urbina.Give a good manager that team and a few guys on the bench and that is title waiting to happen I think.
randall146
Footballguy
Maybe (O.K., admittedly) I'm looking at this too much as a Red Sox homer, but Nomar, if signed, is as valuable as Gagne, from the standpoint of the availability of big hitting, strong fielding shortstops. Closers are rare, I guess, but not as rare as hitting shortstops. To me Nomar is the second most valuable SS in the majors, and realistically no lower than fourth. Kim also has significant value, as his high-side potential is as a number 2 starter.Williamson is a bona fide closer. Not Gagne, but certainly I'm more than comfortable with him as the guy next year.So your proposal is a to trade one year of a top-four SS, a number 3 or 4 starter, and an above-average closer for a lights out closer.That's just way too muchAlso, for the first time in a while the bullpen is close to the bottom of the Red Sox off-season needs, so I don't see them trading for or signing a FA closer in any circumstance. A Dodger starter is much more likely.
Yankee23Fan
Fair Tax!
Fair enough.We also have to remember that there is a SS out there that can be had without giving up any players, so for the Dodgers to make a deal for Nomar would take a little more then the typical "fair all the way around" deal.Any Dodgers guys out there? Which pitchers would they move if any? I gotta think Kevin Brown can be had for the right mix of players, but beyond him? Is Ishii someone they would move?
Anarchy99
Footballguy
The Red Sox are really down on Kim. Back during the ALCS, the papers in Boson had said the Sox would be trying to rid themselves of Kim in the off-season, even to the point of giving him his outright release.They apparently were not enamored of his attutude, his conditioning, and him giving the finger to the Red Sox fans (earning him a team suspension) during the A's series. They also apparently had no confidence in his pitching abilities and felt he was a bad influence in the clubhouse. I doubt he will return. What the Sox can get for him is another story.
Good analysis overall, but you are off on some of the teams and players.Rangers - Young is an excellent defensive player and has a decent bat and is cheap. Don't see how Walker ends up playing 2b there. Raffy turned down a trade to Minny last season and wants to finish his career here. I see him taking less money to re-sign for 2 more yrs.
CWS - There is a dual option on F.Thomas. He can accept 6 mil. If he refuses, the team can keep him for 8 mil or he becomes a fa. I don't see San fran or oak for that matter offering Thomas 6+ mil.
Minny - Unless Eddie gives the home team a deal, he is gone. They have other options at closer with Hawkins and Romero and Eddie isn't exactly a lights out closer. I could see Stewart in a Mets uni, but the Braves don't need a leadoff man with Furcal and Giles at the top of their lineup. They will need to go after a power ofer, if they can't re-sign sheff.
A's. They will make an offer for Tejeda, but it won't be close to what other teams will offer him. The A's just can't afford to spend big bucks on tejeda when chavez and the big 3 will need to be taken care of soon. The rumor is Tejeda to the dodgers or angels.
Braves. I think they try to re-sign Javey, but won't if the price gets too high. Javey has said he wants to play 1b next yr and the braves do need a 1b. There is no way the stros spend big dollars on a 35 yo c. If anything, the stros will try to convince clemens to play 1 or 2 more yrs, but that probably won't happen.
Cubs. No way Sosa leaves the cubs after this past yr and the dollars hes due under the rest of his contract.
Florida. The will try to re-sign Pudge and Lowell. They will let Urbina and Castillo go, won't offer Encarnacion arb and they will probably have to trade Lee, if they want to re-sign Pudge, Lowell and afford Beckett's arb #.
LA. I agree that they will go after a big bat.
NYY. Lot of speculation with the yankees. Soriano to the of? The talk is that they will move him to cf and sign a rfer, however where does bernie then play? I've also heard that they will trade Soriano. Johnson may be gone, so that Giambi can dh full time. Do they sign a 3b and move boone to 2b? Who knows, but it will sure be interesting this offseason in Ny.
Yankee23Fan
Fair Tax!
:rotflmao:
Sammy3469
Footballguy
Well it looks like A-rod is really on the market (see the NY Post) The three cities he is willing to go to are Chicago, NY, and Boston. The NY Post wants the Yankees to go after him and move him to 2nd or 3rd (never mind that he's a better fielder than Jeter, but that's an srgument for a different day) giving up a package that includes Soriano. I don't know what Boston could give up or if they would want to, but I assume it would be a 3-way deal with LA in which they would get rid of Nomar. The Mets would be fools not to look at him, but again the only thing they could offer is Reyes. If nothing else it should be interesting.
Here is my analysis of the baseball free agency period:The Yankees, who are losing Roger Clemens, David Wells, and maybe Andy Petitte will go nuts.They will sign who they want, and then the rest of the league will get leftovers.And then, next season, they will be in the playoffs again, and probably the World Series.
randall146
Footballguy
True, Tejeda, plus there's Kaz Matsui who will get a major bidding war apparently and is another guy only the big money teams can get - which at the very least means yet another buyer taken off the market. So your point, which is well taken, is that there's not room for three big money superstar shortstops in a single offseason, with really only 5-8 teams able to afford them (and Boston and NYY already having one)
Crony Capitalist
Footballguy
Lots of good analysis. Some things to remember: (1) If you are taking ManRam, you better have the DH slot open, if not right away, in the next couple of years. That ain't the NYY with Ja. Giambi.; (2) Pudge has his ring, now its time to get one last big contract. I can't see FL providing a long-term deal to an aging C, . But Baltimore, which wanted Pudge a year ago, is one place that might, especially if no. 5 below plays out with Vlad.; (3) Texas is not going to be in on the top-end guys, which will depress prices.; (4) With the Greek God of Walks Youkilis on the near horizon, Boston could move Mueller to second and get a stop-gap 3B, such as Randa, instead of giving Tawd Walker the multiple years he is going to want.; (5) the other owners might shell out for Montreal to keep Guererro, figuring they will make their share of his 2004 salary back in the increased price they would get from the buy who was getting a franchise with Vlad signed long term (and keeping him out of the hands of a contending team).
Capella
Footballguy
Here's some news on Sheffield and the Rays from the St. Pete Times...
Lots of speed too, with Baldelli, Crawford and the new kid Gaithright coming up.Which is why this probably won't happen...Gathright plays center, likely moving Baldy to right...Huff to first...doubt Sheff will want to DH. 
Please make this happen. He'd fit in soooooo well with all the young players they have. Put him in right, Huff at first, tell Lee to beat it...
Lots of speed too, with Baldelli, Crawford and the new kid Gaithright coming up.Which is why this probably won't happen...Gathright plays center, likely moving Baldy to right...Huff to first...doubt Sheff will want to DH.
Last edited by a moderator:
Yankee23Fan
Fair Tax!
Bumpage.The Manny thing got its own thread, but it ties in to the FA market, I think, very much. I seriously don't think anyone will take a flyer on him in the amount of time they have to do it, but stranger things have happened.The union is still considering filing a colusion grievance because the millionaires didn't get more millions - yeah, that will be a winning argument with the fans. Morons. This, too, will have a big effect on the market as the union is probably just itching to get one of the big names signed for what is percieved as a low amount, then sue to get the owners in some trouble. And since that's the case, if I'm an owner, I purposely get together with my 29 peers and agree to lower prices even more. What are they gonna do? In the end the owners will/can pay whatever they want, period. Nothing more or less.Maybe this will be the start of the end of the players union power?!?! Nah. Not likely.And just some Yankee rumors. The talk around the area is that the moving Soriano stuff has cooled and it looks like calmer heads might prevail. But that, of course, can change at any minute.I also learned yesterday that the Cardinals are planning on giving JD Drew his outright release. Any Cardinals fans hear anything?
Frank Thomas to stay with White Sox...
CHICAGO (AP) - Frank Thomas is staying with the Chicago White Sox.
Thomas said Thursday he will exercise a $6 million contract option for next season rather than test the free-agent market for a second straight year.
"After weighing our options, we felt the best decision for Frank was to return to the White Sox," Arn Tellem, Thomas' agent, said in a statement. "I know Frank would like nothing better than to help the White Sox win a World Series title."
Thomas tested the free agent market for the first time in his career last year after the White Sox invoked a clause in his contract that allowed them to defer most of his $10 million salary.
The two-time AL MVP wound up re-signing with the only team he's ever played for, agreeing to a one-year deal with three mutual options that guaranteed him $22.5 million.
In addition to the $6 million option for next season, he has ones for $8 million in 2005 and $10 million in 2006, a year that has a $3.5 million club buyout attached to it.
Even if Thomas had declined the option, the White Sox could have held onto him by exercising an $8 million option. The White Sox also have options of $11 million in 2005 and $12 million in 2006.
"Frank is certainly the greatest hitter in the long history of this organization," said Kenny Williams, the White Sox's general manager. "Very much to his credit, Frank rebounded at the plate in 2003, and we are looking forward to another season with having Frank as one of the more potent offensive players in the American League."
Thomas hit .267, his highest average since 2000, with 42 homers and 105 RBIs this season. He also hit his 400th career homer and collected his 2,000th hit.
CHICAGO (AP) - Frank Thomas is staying with the Chicago White Sox.
Thomas said Thursday he will exercise a $6 million contract option for next season rather than test the free-agent market for a second straight year.
"After weighing our options, we felt the best decision for Frank was to return to the White Sox," Arn Tellem, Thomas' agent, said in a statement. "I know Frank would like nothing better than to help the White Sox win a World Series title."
Thomas tested the free agent market for the first time in his career last year after the White Sox invoked a clause in his contract that allowed them to defer most of his $10 million salary.
The two-time AL MVP wound up re-signing with the only team he's ever played for, agreeing to a one-year deal with three mutual options that guaranteed him $22.5 million.
In addition to the $6 million option for next season, he has ones for $8 million in 2005 and $10 million in 2006, a year that has a $3.5 million club buyout attached to it.
Even if Thomas had declined the option, the White Sox could have held onto him by exercising an $8 million option. The White Sox also have options of $11 million in 2005 and $12 million in 2006.
"Frank is certainly the greatest hitter in the long history of this organization," said Kenny Williams, the White Sox's general manager. "Very much to his credit, Frank rebounded at the plate in 2003, and we are looking forward to another season with having Frank as one of the more potent offensive players in the American League."
Thomas hit .267, his highest average since 2000, with 42 homers and 105 RBIs this season. He also hit his 400th career homer and collected his 2,000th hit.
Last edited by a moderator:
![[icon]](/data/avatars/m/5/5167.jpg?1660313464){kind=avatar}
[icon]
Insoxicated
I would LOVE to see the following with the sox:Lose: •Manny•Nomar•Kim(would free up ~$36MGet: •ARod (with Tex covering 10-20% of his contract...he'd be SICK in fenway)•Shannon Stewart (IMHO a good up and coming OF who would be a good fit in fenway)•MAYBE VLAD (in place of ShStew)•Another Ace (hopefully not colon).(would total about $36 (Stewart) to $46M (Vlad) in salary)This could all happen while only assuming another $0-10M in payroll...Could you Imagine a Sox Lineup of
amonWalkerArodVlad OrtizMillarMuellerNixonVaritek 
Unlikely....but it could be done....maybe 
amonWalkerArodVlad OrtizMillarMuellerNixonVaritek Unlikely....but it could be done....maybe So if this were to happen, and the Sox were to win, could we then say that the Sox were "buying a pennant" and take that monkey off of the Boss's back?,Oct 30 2003, 04:00 PM] I would LOVE to see the following with the sox:Lose: •Manny•Nomar•Kim(would free up ~$36MGet: •ARod (with Tex covering 10-20% of his contract...he'd be SICK in fenway)•Shannon Stewart (IMHO a good up and coming OF who would be a good fit in fenway)•MAYBE VLAD (in place of ShStew)•Another Ace (hopefully not colon).(would total about $36 (Stewart) to $46M (Vlad) in salary)This could all happen while only assuming another $0-10M in payroll...Could you Imagine a Sox Lineup of
Yankee23Fan
Fair Tax!
[QUOTE=']Frank Thomas to stay with White Sox...CHICAGO (AP) - Frank Thomas is staying with the Chicago White Sox.
[/QUOTE]Cool.I really thought he would test the market. Oh well. 1 less 1B/DH to go around.
[/QUOTE]Cool.I really thought he would test the market. Oh well. 1 less 1B/DH to go around.
[icon]
Insoxicated
Not if the Sox payroll is still 40-50% less than SteinbrennersSo if this were to happen, and the Sox were to win, could we then say that the Sox were "buying a pennant" and take that monkey off of the Boss's back?,Oct 30 2003, 04:00 PM] I would LOVE to see the following with the sox:Lose: •Manny•Nomar•Kim(would free up ~$36MGet: •ARod (with Tex covering 10-20% of his contract...he'd be SICK in fenway)•Shannon Stewart (IMHO a good up and coming OF who would be a good fit in fenway)•MAYBE VLAD (in place of ShStew)•Another Ace (hopefully not colon).(would total about $36 (Stewart) to $46M (Vlad) in salary)This could all happen while only assuming another $0-10M in payroll...Could you Imagine a Sox Lineup of
Even with Vlad I believe they could keep payroll around $110M or so....(Assuming the loss of Nomar/Manny but who wouldn't trade Nomar/Manny for Arod/Vlad)Comparatively I'd be AMAZED to see the Yanks come in below $180-$190 Million next year....
Last edited by a moderator:
Nice post Yankees23Fan. This promises to be one of the most intriguing baseball offseasons in quite a while and with all the owners crying poverty (except George, of course) I'm not sure how some of the bigger names are going to fare. Here's my take on a few:
Miguel Tejada - I don't see him going far from Oakland. I see LA, Anaheim or SanFrancisco as his new home. Anaheim will have extra cash once they unload Troy Glaus who they put on the market earlier today. Glaus is said to want to head to New York (don't know why)
Vlad Guerrero - terrific talent with back problems which the Yanks have had their fill with (see Mattingly and Wells). There is a HUGE Dominican community in New York and he would be treated like a God by the fans although you have to wonder about someone his age still living with his mommie. I see him more with the Mets than the Yanks. BoSux make hige push if someone is stupid enough to take Manny. Atlanta and Baltimore are darkhorses.
Gary Sheffield - Seemed to like Atlanta but the Braves don't seem to want him back. Perfect fit in Yankeeland with his bat. Decent enough fielder in RF and will not cost nearly as much as Vlad or Manny. Mets also make huge push for him for same reason. Maybe Baltimore and White Sox.
Shannon Stewart - I agree that he may be the biggest player in the draft because of what his presence does to a team's lineup and chemistry. I would love to see him in Pinstripes but that won't happen. He will probably want to play someplace lower key than NYC anyway so I can see him either in Atlanta, Baltimore, Minnesota (if the up the cash which is unlikely) or the south side of Chicago.
Andy Pettite - he may get the biggest contract offer of everyone listed if either Texas or Houston just breathe his name. George wants him back for sure.
That's just a few. I'll chime back in with thoughts on some others.
Miguel Tejada - I don't see him going far from Oakland. I see LA, Anaheim or SanFrancisco as his new home. Anaheim will have extra cash once they unload Troy Glaus who they put on the market earlier today. Glaus is said to want to head to New York (don't know why)
Vlad Guerrero - terrific talent with back problems which the Yanks have had their fill with (see Mattingly and Wells). There is a HUGE Dominican community in New York and he would be treated like a God by the fans although you have to wonder about someone his age still living with his mommie. I see him more with the Mets than the Yanks. BoSux make hige push if someone is stupid enough to take Manny. Atlanta and Baltimore are darkhorses.
Gary Sheffield - Seemed to like Atlanta but the Braves don't seem to want him back. Perfect fit in Yankeeland with his bat. Decent enough fielder in RF and will not cost nearly as much as Vlad or Manny. Mets also make huge push for him for same reason. Maybe Baltimore and White Sox.
Shannon Stewart - I agree that he may be the biggest player in the draft because of what his presence does to a team's lineup and chemistry. I would love to see him in Pinstripes but that won't happen. He will probably want to play someplace lower key than NYC anyway so I can see him either in Atlanta, Baltimore, Minnesota (if the up the cash which is unlikely) or the south side of Chicago.
Andy Pettite - he may get the biggest contract offer of everyone listed if either Texas or Houston just breathe his name. George wants him back for sure.
That's just a few. I'll chime back in with thoughts on some others.
Capella
Footballguy
Word in the local paper today is that the Rays are going to go after Tino Martinez...local boy with Pinella ties.He's a nice player, but at this point in his career, I'm not sure he is any better than Travis Lee, who played great defense and actually had a decent bat this past year.
Last edited by a moderator:
Travis Lee info
evil Rays declined their $2.5 option for the 2004 season on first baseman Travis Lee.Lee, who gets a $500,000 buyout, also figured to decline his half of the mutual option, so this works out well for him. He was solid offensively and played his usual terrific defense last season, so he'll probably find some team willing to give him at least $2 million for next season.Sosa Staying With the Cubs
Article
CHICAGO (AP) - Sammy Sosa will keep on doing his home run hops for the Chicago Cubs.
Sosa announced Friday he will not pursue free agency and will keep the last two seasons of his four-year contract. He will earn $33 million over the remainder of the deal.
"I have said all along I wanted to remain a Cub forever," Sosa said in a statement. "We had such an exciting year in 2003, for both myself and for Cub fans everywhere. I am already looking forward to next season. I know with Dusty Baker as the manager and the direction our team is headed, it will be another exciting year."
Sosa signed a four-year extension worth $72 million during spring training in 2001. Under the deal, Sosa got the right to terminate the contract after this season or exercise player options for $16 million next season and $17 million in 2005.
But the free agent market has tightened because of the luxury tax and debt rules, and Sosa probably wouldn't find a better deal anywhere else. He also likes playing for Baker, and sees loads of potential in the Cubs, who were within five outs of advancing to the World Series this year.
"The market is different now than it was in 1998 and 1997," Adam Katz, one of Sosa's agents, said Thursday. "Sammy is a bright, pragmatic guy. He also has indicated to everyone that he'd like to stay in Chicago and retire with the Cubs."
Sosa, a fan favorite worldwide since his home run race with Mark McGwire in 1998, had perhaps the toughest season of his career this year. He was suspended for seven games in June after he was found to be using a corked bat. Sosa apologized and said it was a mistake, but he heard occasional taunts from fans the rest of the season.
He rebounded, though, finishing with 40 homers and 103 RBIs to become the first NL player with six straight 40-homer seasons. He hit .262 in the playoffs, including a .308 average with two homers and six RBIs in the NLCS.
Also Thursday, Cubs left-hander Shawn Estes and center fielder Kenny Lofton filed for free agency. Left-hander Mark Guthrie filed after the club declined a $2.2 million option for next season.
Acquired from Pittsburgh after Corey Patterson injured his knee, Lofton played a big role in the Cubs advancing to the NLCS. He hit .327 with 20 RBIs after joining the Cubs on July 22, and had 12 stolen bases.
Estes went 8-11 with a 5.73 ERA after signing a one-year deal with the Cubs, and was demoted to the bullpen in early September. He pitched his eighth career shutout against Cincinnati when the Cubs were in the thick of the playoff race, but was on the disabled list for the postseason.
Guthrie was 2-3 with a 2.74 ERA in 65 appearances with the Cubs this year.
Article
CHICAGO (AP) - Sammy Sosa will keep on doing his home run hops for the Chicago Cubs.
Sosa announced Friday he will not pursue free agency and will keep the last two seasons of his four-year contract. He will earn $33 million over the remainder of the deal.
"I have said all along I wanted to remain a Cub forever," Sosa said in a statement. "We had such an exciting year in 2003, for both myself and for Cub fans everywhere. I am already looking forward to next season. I know with Dusty Baker as the manager and the direction our team is headed, it will be another exciting year."
Sosa signed a four-year extension worth $72 million during spring training in 2001. Under the deal, Sosa got the right to terminate the contract after this season or exercise player options for $16 million next season and $17 million in 2005.
But the free agent market has tightened because of the luxury tax and debt rules, and Sosa probably wouldn't find a better deal anywhere else. He also likes playing for Baker, and sees loads of potential in the Cubs, who were within five outs of advancing to the World Series this year.
"The market is different now than it was in 1998 and 1997," Adam Katz, one of Sosa's agents, said Thursday. "Sammy is a bright, pragmatic guy. He also has indicated to everyone that he'd like to stay in Chicago and retire with the Cubs."
Sosa, a fan favorite worldwide since his home run race with Mark McGwire in 1998, had perhaps the toughest season of his career this year. He was suspended for seven games in June after he was found to be using a corked bat. Sosa apologized and said it was a mistake, but he heard occasional taunts from fans the rest of the season.
He rebounded, though, finishing with 40 homers and 103 RBIs to become the first NL player with six straight 40-homer seasons. He hit .262 in the playoffs, including a .308 average with two homers and six RBIs in the NLCS.
Also Thursday, Cubs left-hander Shawn Estes and center fielder Kenny Lofton filed for free agency. Left-hander Mark Guthrie filed after the club declined a $2.2 million option for next season.
Acquired from Pittsburgh after Corey Patterson injured his knee, Lofton played a big role in the Cubs advancing to the NLCS. He hit .327 with 20 RBIs after joining the Cubs on July 22, and had 12 stolen bases.
Estes went 8-11 with a 5.73 ERA after signing a one-year deal with the Cubs, and was demoted to the bullpen in early September. He pitched his eighth career shutout against Cincinnati when the Cubs were in the thick of the playoff race, but was on the disabled list for the postseason.
Guthrie was 2-3 with a 2.74 ERA in 65 appearances with the Cubs this year.
Last edited by a moderator:
White Sox Exercise $4 Million Option on Loaiza
Article
CHICAGO (AP) - Esteban Loaiza won't have to job hunt this offseason.
As expected, the Chicago White Sox on Friday exercised their $4 million option for next season on the 21-game winner.
Loaiza didn't sign with the White Sox until the end of January, and went to spring training as a non-roster invitee. Though the White Sox were initially looking at him as a fourth or fifth starter, he emerged as one of baseball's biggest surprises.
He went 21-9 with a 2.90 ERA, and led the American League with 207 strikeouts. He was the first White Sox pitcher to win 20 games since Jack McDowell in 1993, and tied Fernando Valenzuela's record for most victories by a Mexican-born pitcher.
He also was the AL's starter in the July 15 All-Star game, hosted by the White Sox.
Loaiza is 90-82 with a 4.58 ERA in nine years with the White Sox, Toronto, Texas and Pittsburgh.
If the option had been declined, he would have received a $150,000 buyout.
Article
CHICAGO (AP) - Esteban Loaiza won't have to job hunt this offseason.
As expected, the Chicago White Sox on Friday exercised their $4 million option for next season on the 21-game winner.
Loaiza didn't sign with the White Sox until the end of January, and went to spring training as a non-roster invitee. Though the White Sox were initially looking at him as a fourth or fifth starter, he emerged as one of baseball's biggest surprises.
He went 21-9 with a 2.90 ERA, and led the American League with 207 strikeouts. He was the first White Sox pitcher to win 20 games since Jack McDowell in 1993, and tied Fernando Valenzuela's record for most victories by a Mexican-born pitcher.
He also was the AL's starter in the July 15 All-Star game, hosted by the White Sox.
Loaiza is 90-82 with a 4.58 ERA in nine years with the White Sox, Toronto, Texas and Pittsburgh.
If the option had been declined, he would have received a $150,000 buyout.
Last edited by a moderator:
Yankee23Fan
Fair Tax!
Hot Stove Bumpage.Phillies get a closer in Billy Wagner, trading Duckworth.Good move by the Phils.
Yankee23Fan
Fair Tax!
Ozzie Guillen will be named the ChiSox manager.Interesting choice.
randall146
Footballguy
Is baseball going the way of the NBA? The players are increasingly becoming prima donnas, so teams are hiring ex-players with little or no managerial experience to "relate to" today's players?
Edgar Martinez resigns with the Seattle Mariners...
Seattle DH Will Return for 2004 Season
By TIM KORTE
SEATTLE (AP) - Designated hitter Edgar Martinez will rejoin the Mariners for the 2004 season, his 18th in the majors.
Martinez, who turns 41 in January, agreed to a one-year deal Tuesday.
"I am very fortunate and grateful that I have been able to play my entire career with the Seattle Mariners," Martinez said in a statement. "I plan on finishing my career as a Mariner."
The two-time AL batting champion had faced a Sunday deadline to decide whether to file for free agency. His agent had indicated the slugger was willing to consider offers from other teams if negotiations with the Mariners broke down.
"Edgar is an integral part of this organization on and off the field, and we are thrilled to have his bat back in our lineup," outgoing general manager Pat Gillick said.
Martinez owns several franchise records, including career batting average (.315), games played (1,914), hits (2,119), extra-base hits (803), doubles (491), RBIs (1,198), walks (1,225) and runs (1,174).
He was named to his seventh AL All-Star team last season and won his fourth Silver Slugger award after hitting .294 with 24 home runs, 98 RBIs and 25 doubles in 145 games.
He said during much of last season that he might have been playing his last season but always left the door open for a possible return.
Seattle DH Will Return for 2004 Season
By TIM KORTE
SEATTLE (AP) - Designated hitter Edgar Martinez will rejoin the Mariners for the 2004 season, his 18th in the majors.
Martinez, who turns 41 in January, agreed to a one-year deal Tuesday.
"I am very fortunate and grateful that I have been able to play my entire career with the Seattle Mariners," Martinez said in a statement. "I plan on finishing my career as a Mariner."
The two-time AL batting champion had faced a Sunday deadline to decide whether to file for free agency. His agent had indicated the slugger was willing to consider offers from other teams if negotiations with the Mariners broke down.
"Edgar is an integral part of this organization on and off the field, and we are thrilled to have his bat back in our lineup," outgoing general manager Pat Gillick said.
Martinez owns several franchise records, including career batting average (.315), games played (1,914), hits (2,119), extra-base hits (803), doubles (491), RBIs (1,198), walks (1,225) and runs (1,174).
He was named to his seventh AL All-Star team last season and won his fourth Silver Slugger award after hitting .294 with 24 home runs, 98 RBIs and 25 doubles in 145 games.
He said during much of last season that he might have been playing his last season but always left the door open for a possible return.
Night Hawks
Footballguy
This isn't free agency talk, but this Cubs fan can't be happier that Billy freakin' Wagner is out of the NL Central. They have others to take over but that guy never gave up anything to us!
http://sports.iwon.com/news/11062003/v3934.html
Padres, Hoffman Agree to New Deal
By BERNIE WILSON
SAN DIEGO (AP) - Closer Trevor Hoffman was so intent on staying with the San Diego Padres that he was willing to take a big pay cut.
The Padres had a $10 million option on Hoffman for next season but had no intention of picking it up after he missed the first five months of last season while recovering from two offseason shoulder operations.
Instead, they bought him out for $2 million and agreed to a new deal with a $2.5 million salary next year and a chance to make another $500,000 in incentives.
"It's an opportunity to show the team that I am going to be healthy and that I plan on pitching a few more years beyond this contract," Hoffman said Wednesday night. "This is home. I think that ultimately has the final say."
Hoffman, fifth on the career saves list with 352, said he didn't consider testing the free-agent market.
"I just consider myself a Padre," he said. "The thought of going someplace else was real disturbing, to be real honest."
The new deal also has an option for 2005 that Hoffman can guarantee by reaching certain performance levels. General manager Kevin Towers would not be specific, but said the numbers should be easily attained if the reliever has a good season.
"I'm not going to say this was easy. It was complicated because of his injury," Towers said. "But it was pretty clear that Trevor wanted to wear only one uniform, the Padres' uniform, and we wanted him to stay in a Padres' uniform."
Hoffman made $9 million in 2003, the last year of a $32 million, four-year contract.
"He knew he'd have to take a much smaller base and prove to us and prove to the rest of baseball that he can perform at the level he did before the injury," Towers said.
The 36-year-old right-hander is known for his intense stare, high leg kick and wicked changeup. All but two of his saves have come with the Padres.
Hoffman didn't have any saves last season. Stuck in last place in the NL West, the Padres didn't want to rush Hoffman after he returned in September. His nine appearances were all in non-save situations and spaced out by three days.
Going into his 12th big league season, he's the only player left from the Padres' 1998 World Series team. The club will move into a new ballpark next season.
Hoffman got his first two saves as a rookie with the expansion Florida Marlins in 1993, then was acquired by the Padres on June 24, 1993.
He had never been on the disabled list until undergoing a double round of surgery on his throwing shoulder.
Before his injury, Hoffman set major league records with 40 saves in four straight seasons and 30 saves in eight consecutive seasons.
While Hoffman passed on a chance to test the market, Florida reserve Lenny Harris and three other players filed for free agency Wednesday, pushing the total above 200 for the first time.
Outfielder John Mabry filed after Seattle declined his $1.5 million option and opted to pay a $250,000 buyout. Atlanta first baseman Matt Franco also filed.
St. Louis reliever Mike DeJean filed conditionally. The Cardinals still have not decided whether to exercise his $2.5 million option or pay a $200,000 buyout.
Backup catcher Alberto Castillo re-signed with San Francisco, agreeing to a one-year contract.
A total of 201 players have filed since the World Series. Up to 20 more players potentially are eligible to file before the Sunday deadline, including Roger Clemens (who intends to retire) and Andy Pettitte of the New York Yankees, and Derek Lowe of Boston.
Boston has until Nov. 10 to exercise a $4.5 million option on Lowe or pay a $500,000 buyout.
Before this year, the previous high for filings was 158 after the 2002 season.
Players cannot start talking money with new teams until Monday
Padres, Hoffman Agree to New Deal
By BERNIE WILSON
SAN DIEGO (AP) - Closer Trevor Hoffman was so intent on staying with the San Diego Padres that he was willing to take a big pay cut.
The Padres had a $10 million option on Hoffman for next season but had no intention of picking it up after he missed the first five months of last season while recovering from two offseason shoulder operations.
Instead, they bought him out for $2 million and agreed to a new deal with a $2.5 million salary next year and a chance to make another $500,000 in incentives.
"It's an opportunity to show the team that I am going to be healthy and that I plan on pitching a few more years beyond this contract," Hoffman said Wednesday night. "This is home. I think that ultimately has the final say."
Hoffman, fifth on the career saves list with 352, said he didn't consider testing the free-agent market.
"I just consider myself a Padre," he said. "The thought of going someplace else was real disturbing, to be real honest."
The new deal also has an option for 2005 that Hoffman can guarantee by reaching certain performance levels. General manager Kevin Towers would not be specific, but said the numbers should be easily attained if the reliever has a good season.
"I'm not going to say this was easy. It was complicated because of his injury," Towers said. "But it was pretty clear that Trevor wanted to wear only one uniform, the Padres' uniform, and we wanted him to stay in a Padres' uniform."
Hoffman made $9 million in 2003, the last year of a $32 million, four-year contract.
"He knew he'd have to take a much smaller base and prove to us and prove to the rest of baseball that he can perform at the level he did before the injury," Towers said.
The 36-year-old right-hander is known for his intense stare, high leg kick and wicked changeup. All but two of his saves have come with the Padres.
Hoffman didn't have any saves last season. Stuck in last place in the NL West, the Padres didn't want to rush Hoffman after he returned in September. His nine appearances were all in non-save situations and spaced out by three days.
Going into his 12th big league season, he's the only player left from the Padres' 1998 World Series team. The club will move into a new ballpark next season.
Hoffman got his first two saves as a rookie with the expansion Florida Marlins in 1993, then was acquired by the Padres on June 24, 1993.
He had never been on the disabled list until undergoing a double round of surgery on his throwing shoulder.
Before his injury, Hoffman set major league records with 40 saves in four straight seasons and 30 saves in eight consecutive seasons.
While Hoffman passed on a chance to test the market, Florida reserve Lenny Harris and three other players filed for free agency Wednesday, pushing the total above 200 for the first time.
Outfielder John Mabry filed after Seattle declined his $1.5 million option and opted to pay a $250,000 buyout. Atlanta first baseman Matt Franco also filed.
St. Louis reliever Mike DeJean filed conditionally. The Cardinals still have not decided whether to exercise his $2.5 million option or pay a $200,000 buyout.
Backup catcher Alberto Castillo re-signed with San Francisco, agreeing to a one-year contract.
A total of 201 players have filed since the World Series. Up to 20 more players potentially are eligible to file before the Sunday deadline, including Roger Clemens (who intends to retire) and Andy Pettitte of the New York Yankees, and Derek Lowe of Boston.
Boston has until Nov. 10 to exercise a $4.5 million option on Lowe or pay a $500,000 buyout.
Before this year, the previous high for filings was 158 after the 2002 season.
Players cannot start talking money with new teams until Monday
Yankee23Fan
Fair Tax!
Lee Mazilli is the new Orioles manager. Sad to see him go, and wish him all the best.
Yankee23Fan
Fair Tax!
I missed this one - Frank Catalanotto was resigned by the Blue Jays. Good move there, he's a nice player.
http://sports.iwon.com/news/11072003/v5832.html
Cubs Exercise Option on Clement
CHICAGO (AP) - The Chicago Cubs exercised their $6 million option for right-hander Matt Clement on Friday, keeping the core of their talented young pitching staff together another season.
Clement won a career-high 14 games last season, going 12-6 over his last 22 starts. He had a 4.11 ERA and held opponents to a .227 average, sixth-best in the NL.
He beat Pittsburgh to clinch Chicago's first division title since 1989, and threw a five-hitter to beat Florida in Game 4 of the NL championship series. That gave the Cubs a 3-1 lead in the series, but they dropped the next three games.
Clement, who made $4 million last season, is 60-62 with a 4.46 ERA in 162 career starts. But he's flourished since being traded to Chicago at the end of spring training in 2002, going 26-23 with a 3.85 ERA in his first two seasons.
He had a career-best 3.60 ERA last year with 215 strikeouts.
If the Cubs had declined their option, they would have had to pay Clement a $250,000 buyout.
Cubs Exercise Option on Clement
CHICAGO (AP) - The Chicago Cubs exercised their $6 million option for right-hander Matt Clement on Friday, keeping the core of their talented young pitching staff together another season.
Clement won a career-high 14 games last season, going 12-6 over his last 22 starts. He had a 4.11 ERA and held opponents to a .227 average, sixth-best in the NL.
He beat Pittsburgh to clinch Chicago's first division title since 1989, and threw a five-hitter to beat Florida in Game 4 of the NL championship series. That gave the Cubs a 3-1 lead in the series, but they dropped the next three games.
Clement, who made $4 million last season, is 60-62 with a 4.46 ERA in 162 career starts. But he's flourished since being traded to Chicago at the end of spring training in 2002, going 26-23 with a 3.85 ERA in his first two seasons.
He had a career-best 3.60 ERA last year with 215 strikeouts.
If the Cubs had declined their option, they would have had to pay Clement a $250,000 buyout.
Last edited by a moderator:
