Baseball Off-Season Thread (1 Viewer)

[roadeyes]

Boston Herald says that the Manny/Tejada deal is still alive. Sox FO has Manny/Clement for Tejada/unnamed player on the table. Unnamed player is rumored to be either Matos or Markakis. Os said to want to get this resolved in the next several days

Related news-Burnitz said to be close to signing with Pittsburgh, not Baltimore. Hmmm.

well, i heard on weei this morning that manny would only accept trade to baltimore if baltimore picks up the two year options on him. this would add another $40 - $50 million to mannys contract. no way the o's go for that.if this is true the sox need to tell manny this was the last time they try to move him. too much time and energy has been spent on trying to make this fruitcake happy. in fact, i think the front office should have a press conference and let the public know that they worked very hard and had a deal in place that manny rejected. then, in 6 months when he cries for a trade the sox can just publicly laugh in his face.

<_< I just called Manny and told him that Baltimore had a giant LIFE SIZED choo choo set right in the locker room. Just waiting for him. So he dropped the option demand and is very happy again.

 

[Big Log]

Not a huge move but I still like this for the Jays considering who they had at backstop before the signing...

01/03/2006 1:18 PM ET

Blue Jays sign Phillips to Minor League contract

The TORONTO BLUE JAYS have signed C JASON PHILLIPS to a minor league contract with an invitation to attend Spring Training with the Major League club.

PHILLIPS, 29, spent last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers batting .238 with 20 doubles, 10 home runs and 55 RBI in 121 games. The La Mesa, California native caught 93 games registering a .992 fielding percentage.

The 6'1", 220 lbs., right-handed hitter has played parts of five seasons in the Majors. He is a career .254 hitter with 29 home runs and 150 RBI in 385 games. Phillips spent the first four years of his career with the New York Mets (2001-2004) before being traded to the Dodgers on March 20, 2005. He was originally selected by the Mets in the 24th round of the 1997 First Year Player Draft

 

[lastresort66]

Not a huge move but I still like this for the Jays considering who they had at backstop before the signing...

01/03/2006 1:18 PM ET

Blue Jays sign Phillips to Minor League contract

The TORONTO BLUE JAYS have signed C JASON PHILLIPS to a minor league contract with an invitation to attend Spring Training with the Major League club.

PHILLIPS, 29, spent last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers batting .238 with 20 doubles, 10 home runs and 55 RBI in 121 games. The La Mesa, California native caught 93 games registering a .992 fielding percentage.

The 6'1", 220 lbs., right-handed hitter has played parts of five seasons in the Majors. He is a career .254 hitter with 29 home runs and 150 RBI in 385 games. Phillips spent the first four years of his career with the New York Mets (2001-2004) before being traded to the Dodgers on March 20, 2005. He was originally selected by the Mets in the 24th round of the 1997 First Year Player Draft

How does he just get a minor league contract? If Einar Diaz could get a guranteed contract from the Cards last year, why can't Phillips?

 

[Big Log]

Astros sign OF Preston Wilson to a tentative agreement...

Astros reach tentative agreement with Wilson

By JOSE DE JESUS ORTIZ

Copyright 2006 Houston chronicle

The Astros have reached a preliminary agreement with free agent outfielder Preston Wilson on a one-year deal, pending a physical.

Wilson was on a flight to Houston this afternoon to undergo his physical, and a news conference could be called to introduce the veteran slugger later today once Wilson undergoes and passes his physical.

"There's still some details to work out," Astros general manager Tim Purpura said.

Purpura withheld further comment until the deal was complete. Wilson's agent, Robert Bry of St. Louis, said he hoped to be able to make an official comment by 5 p.m. today.

Wilson, 31, would give the Astros a solid middle-of-the-order run producer who can help protect Lance Berkman and Morgan Ensberg in the lineup. He has played center field most of his career.

Last year with the Colorado Rockies and Washington Nationals, Wilson hit .260 with 25 home runs, 90 RBIs and 148 strikeouts.

 

[lastresort66]

Astros sign OF Preston Wilson to a tentative agreement...

Astros reach tentative agreement with Wilson

By JOSE DE JESUS ORTIZ

Copyright 2006 Houston chronicle

The Astros have reached a preliminary agreement with free agent outfielder Preston Wilson on a one-year deal, pending a physical.

Wilson was on a flight to Houston this afternoon to undergo his physical, and a news conference could be called to introduce the veteran slugger later today once Wilson undergoes and passes his physical.

"There's still some details to work out," Astros general manager Tim Purpura said.

Purpura withheld further comment until the deal was complete. Wilson's agent, Robert Bry of St. Louis, said he hoped to be able to make an official comment by 5 p.m. today.

Wilson, 31, would give the Astros a solid middle-of-the-order run producer who can help protect Lance Berkman and Morgan Ensberg in the lineup. He has played center field most of his career.

Last year with the Colorado Rockies and Washington Nationals, Wilson hit .260 with 25 home runs, 90 RBIs and 148 strikeouts.

Somewhere, Jason Lane is p'ed off.

 

[Big Log]

Astros sign OF Preston Wilson to a tentative agreement...

Astros reach tentative agreement with Wilson

By JOSE DE JESUS ORTIZ

Copyright 2006 Houston chronicle

The Astros have reached a preliminary agreement with free agent outfielder Preston Wilson on a one-year deal, pending a physical.

Wilson was on a flight to Houston this afternoon to undergo his physical, and a news conference could be called to introduce the veteran slugger later today once Wilson undergoes and passes his physical.

"There's still some details to work out," Astros general manager Tim Purpura said.

Purpura withheld further comment until the deal was complete. Wilson's agent, Robert Bry of St. Louis, said he hoped to be able to make an official comment by 5 p.m. today.

Wilson, 31, would give the Astros a solid middle-of-the-order run producer who can help protect Lance Berkman and Morgan Ensberg in the lineup. He has played center field most of his career.

Last year with the Colorado Rockies and Washington Nationals, Wilson hit .260 with 25 home runs, 90 RBIs and 148 strikeouts.

Somewhere, Jason Lane is p'ed off.

I am surprised they wouldn't let Lane play a full year. Unless, it's Bags that is affected at first maybe moving Berkman over there.

 

[shadyridr]

Astros sign OF Preston Wilson to a tentative agreement...

Astros reach tentative agreement with Wilson

By JOSE DE JESUS ORTIZ

Copyright 2006 Houston chronicle

The Astros have reached a preliminary agreement with free agent outfielder Preston Wilson on a one-year deal, pending a physical.

Wilson was on a flight to Houston this afternoon to undergo his physical, and a news conference could be called to introduce the veteran slugger later today once Wilson undergoes and passes his physical.

"There's still some details to work out," Astros general manager Tim Purpura said.

Purpura withheld further comment until the deal was complete. Wilson's agent, Robert Bry of St. Louis, said he hoped to be able to make an official comment by 5 p.m. today.

Wilson, 31, would give the Astros a solid middle-of-the-order run producer who can help protect Lance Berkman and Morgan Ensberg in the lineup. He has played center field most of his career.

Last year with the Colorado Rockies and Washington Nationals, Wilson hit .260 with 25 home runs, 90 RBIs and 148 strikeouts.

Somewhere, Jason Lane is p'ed off.

I am surprised they wouldn't let Lane play a full year. Unless, it's Bags that is affected at first maybe moving Berkman over there.

Even if berkman takes over full time at 1B they would still have 4 OFs

 

[Big Log]

Astros sign OF Preston Wilson to a tentative agreement...

Astros reach tentative agreement with Wilson

By JOSE DE JESUS ORTIZ

Copyright 2006 Houston chronicle

The Astros have reached a preliminary agreement with free agent outfielder Preston Wilson on a one-year deal, pending a physical.

Wilson was on a flight to Houston this afternoon to undergo his physical, and a news conference could be called to introduce the veteran slugger later today once Wilson undergoes and passes his physical.

"There's still some details to work out," Astros general manager Tim Purpura said.

Purpura withheld further comment until the deal was complete. Wilson's agent, Robert Bry of St. Louis, said he hoped to be able to make an official comment by 5 p.m. today.

Wilson, 31, would give the Astros a solid middle-of-the-order run producer who can help protect Lance Berkman and Morgan Ensberg in the lineup. He has played center field most of his career.

Last year with the Colorado Rockies and Washington Nationals, Wilson hit .260 with 25 home runs, 90 RBIs and 148 strikeouts.

Somewhere, Jason Lane is p'ed off.

I am surprised they wouldn't let Lane play a full year. Unless, it's Bags that is affected at first maybe moving Berkman over there.

Even if berkman takes over full time at 1B they would still have 4 OFs

Good point as they will have Tav, Burke, Lane and now Wilson

 

[Statorama]

I had heard rumors that they were shopping Tavaras...but who the heck is going to play CF? I HOPE they don't think P-Wil can handle that hill.

 

[shadyridr]

I had heard rumors that they were shopping Tavaras...but who the heck is going to play CF? I HOPE they don't think P-Wil can handle that hill.

Isnt Wilson a great fielding CFer or has he lost a step?

 

[Statorama]

I had heard rumors that they were shopping Tavaras...but who the heck is going to play CF?  I HOPE they don't think P-Wil can handle that hill.

Isnt Wilson a great fielding CFer or has he lost a step?

Bad legs.

 

[CrossEyed]

Pirates sign Burnitz. Woo hoo. Link

 

[Spiderman]

Pirates sign Burnitz. Woo hoo. Link

Does this end the Sammy Sosa rumor to the Pirates ?What happened with Burnitz and Baltimore ? Last week, it was in the AP that he was set to sign a 2 year deal.

 

[SteelCurtain]

What in the hell are the Red Sox doing? They better have something up their sleeve, because this off season is breezing right by and I don't see their SS or CF situation even close to getting cleaned up.They better be closer with Tejada then I think they are.

 

[roadeyes]

What in the hell are the Red Sox doing?

They better have something up their sleeve, because this off season is breezing right by and I don't see their SS or CF situation even close to getting cleaned up.

They better be closer with Tejada then I think they are.

Yep. This Sox fan is starting to get nervous. I'm not so worried about SS as I am about CF. As these OFers get signed, the possibilities dwindle. I can only hope they have a deal in principle with someone they wanted all along, but are waiting to see how the Manny situation is resolved.

 

[ThisGuy]

What in the hell are the Red Sox doing? 

They better have something up their sleeve, because this off season is breezing right by and I don't see their SS or CF situation even close to getting cleaned up.

They better be closer with Tejada then I think they are.

Yep. This Sox fan is starting to get nervous. I'm not so worried about SS as I am about CF. As these OFers get signed, the possibilities dwindle. I can only hope they have a deal in principle with someone they wanted all along, but are waiting to see how the Manny situation is resolved.

There is still a month to go before you have to panic. Lots can happen between now and then.

 

[bialczabub]

too much time and energy has been spent on trying to make this fruitcake happy.

You really have no way of backing this up. I don't think we have any way of assessing where any front office is spending their time for trades.

 

[lastresort66]

Astros sign OF Preston Wilson to a tentative agreement...

Astros reach tentative agreement with Wilson

By JOSE DE JESUS ORTIZ

Copyright 2006 Houston chronicle

The Astros have reached a preliminary agreement with free agent outfielder Preston Wilson on a one-year deal, pending a physical.

Wilson was on a flight to Houston this afternoon to undergo his physical, and a news conference could be called to introduce the veteran slugger later today once Wilson undergoes and passes his physical.

"There's still some details to work out," Astros general manager Tim Purpura said.

Purpura withheld further comment until the deal was complete. Wilson's agent, Robert Bry of St. Louis, said he hoped to be able to make an official comment by 5 p.m. today.

Wilson, 31, would give the Astros a solid middle-of-the-order run producer who can help protect Lance Berkman and Morgan Ensberg in the lineup. He has played center field most of his career.

Last year with the Colorado Rockies and Washington Nationals, Wilson hit .260 with 25 home runs, 90 RBIs and 148 strikeouts.

Somewhere, Jason Lane is p'ed off.

I am surprised they wouldn't let Lane play a full year. Unless, it's Bags that is affected at first maybe moving Berkman over there.

Even if berkman takes over full time at 1B they would still have 4 OFs

Good point as they will have Tav, Burke, Lane and now Wilson

Wasn't Burke a 2B in the minors? Think they may try him there?

 

[NFL Sunday Ticket]

too much time and energy has been spent on trying to make this fruitcake happy.

You really have no way of backing this up. I don't think we have any way of assessing where any front office is spending their time for trades.

i dont care if they have spent 10 minutes on it. every 6 months he chimes in demanding a trade. then he gets in front of the camera and says "I LOVE IT HERE. IT WAS JUST MANNY BEING MANNY!!!!". i want manny to be manny elsewhere. his act is tiresome.

 

[SteelCurtain]

What in the hell are the Red Sox doing? 

They better have something up their sleeve, because this off season is breezing right by and I don't see their SS or CF situation even close to getting cleaned up.

They better be closer with Tejada then I think they are.

Yep. This Sox fan is starting to get nervous. I'm not so worried about SS as I am about CF. As these OFers get signed, the possibilities dwindle. I can only hope they have a deal in principle with someone they wanted all along, but are waiting to see how the Manny situation is resolved.

There is still a month to go before you have to panic. Lots can happen between now and then.

I know you are a yankees fan, but here is why I am nervous.Our team is weaker at SS (assumed), weaker at 3B, weaker at 1B (not totally sold on Youkilis as everyday firstbasemen compared to Olerud/Millar), weaker at CF, no leadoff hitter. This team is not a very good team right now.

The pitching has question marks.

Beckett -- can he stay healthy?

Schilling -- is he going to be back or is he going to be the Schilling of 2005.

Foulke -- Foulke of 2004 or 2005? If 2005, who is the closer.

Timlin -- when will his arm fall off. Embree fell quickly, why won't the same happen to him.

Mota -- will he be able to handle the pressure cooker of Boston?

Papelbon -- will he continue his late season standard?

Hansen -- is he ready for the bigtime?

Clement -- Ok. So, he's Cy Young in Spring Training, April and May. he blows anytime after June.

Wells -- he wants out. Are they going to trade him?

There is no plan in the front office. I have a feeling this team is going to be reloaded for 2007 and 2006 will be a bridge year for us.

 

[Spike]

I just heard, on WEEI (Boston sports radio), that things are heating up with Tampa in regard to Lugo for Marte.I hope it's not the case.

 

[David Yudkin]

What in the hell are the Red Sox doing? 

They better have something up their sleeve, because this off season is breezing right by and I don't see their SS or CF situation even close to getting cleaned up.

They better be closer with Tejada then I think they are.

Yep. This Sox fan is starting to get nervous. I'm not so worried about SS as I am about CF. As these OFers get signed, the possibilities dwindle. I can only hope they have a deal in principle with someone they wanted all along, but are waiting to see how the Manny situation is resolved.

There is still a month to go before you have to panic. Lots can happen between now and then.

I know you are a yankees fan, but here is why I am nervous.Our team is weaker at SS (assumed), weaker at 3B, weaker at 1B (not totally sold on Youkilis as everyday firstbasemen compared to Olerud/Millar), weaker at CF, no leadoff hitter. This team is not a very good team right now.

The pitching has question marks.

Beckett -- can he stay healthy?

Schilling -- is he going to be back or is he going to be the Schilling of 2005.

Foulke -- Foulke of 2004 or 2005? If 2005, who is the closer.

Timlin -- when will his arm fall off. Embree fell quickly, why won't the same happen to him.

Mota -- will he be able to handle the pressure cooker of Boston?

Papelbon -- will he continue his late season standard?

Hansen -- is he ready for the bigtime?

Clement -- Ok. So, he's Cy Young in Spring Training, April and May. he blows anytime after June.

Wells -- he wants out. Are they going to trade him?

There is no plan in the front office. I have a feeling this team is going to be reloaded for 2007 and 2006 will be a bridge year for us.

Mueller has a career .798 OPS and is essentially an average fielder. Lowell has a career .799 OPS, is 3 years younger, and just won a Gold Glove. I don't see how this is a net loss.Youkilis has a career OBP of .376 (which was .400 or so in the minors) with a .787 OPS. Millar had a career OBP of .365 and OPS of .842 (ao obviously better power numbers). Youkilis should get on base more than Millar, and Millar really didn't do that great last season. I also don't think that this one is a net loss.

As for no leadoff hitter, Damon has a career OBP of .353 with a .784 OPS. Loretta has a career OBP of .365 with a .773 OPS. Granted, his hair is shorter, and he probably won't hit as many homers, but Loretta is still not a terrible option.

The Sox obviously have holes at CF and SS, and even if they trade Manny for Tejada, then they have Trot Nixon and 2 question marks in the OF. Trading the other Ramirez AND Renteria makes little sense a this point. I suppose that they could get away with one of those two spots as a light hitting, slick fielding guy, but their offense will take a pretty big hit if they have to go with two meager hittiers.

I think the Sox are banking on having better pitching, and that clearly remains be seen whether that is realistic or not.

 

[Capella]

I just heard, on WEEI (Boston sports radio), that things are heating up with Tampa in regard to Lugo for Marte.

I hope it's not the case.

Heard the same thing here. Do it Bahstan.

 

[shadyridr]

I just heard, on WEEI (Boston sports radio), that things are heating up with Tampa in regard to Lugo for Marte.

I hope it's not the case.

Unless they get Gathright what a horrible series of moves. Basically trading Renteria for Lugo. I know many on this board think Lugo is better than Renteria but that simply is not true. Lugo had a career year last year while Renteria had one of his worse years. There is no indication that Renteria wont turn it around to his other years. Renteria is simply a better player than Lugo and one year wont change my mind in that regard.

 

[ThisGuy]

Yudkin = my favorite bowtie wearing footballguy The Lugo/Marte deal: Wow, as a Yanks fan, I have to admit trading Renteria for Lugo is a great move...for the Bombers.But don't you guys think this may be a ploy to get Baltimore to jump and trade Tejada for Manny?

 

[David Yudkin]

Yudkin = my favorite bowtie wearing footballguy

Yudkin = Les Nesman. FBG keeps telling me they are going to give me an office. I put tape on the floor where the door is going to be. I got a new pocket protector for X-mas . . .

 

[shadyridr]

Astros sign OF Preston Wilson to a tentative agreement...

Astros reach tentative agreement with Wilson

By JOSE DE JESUS ORTIZ

Copyright 2006 Houston chronicle

The Astros have reached a preliminary agreement with free agent outfielder Preston Wilson on a one-year deal, pending a physical.

Wilson was on a flight to Houston this afternoon to undergo his physical, and a news conference could be called to introduce the veteran slugger later today once Wilson undergoes and passes his physical.

"There's still some details to work out," Astros general manager Tim Purpura said.

Purpura withheld further comment until the deal was complete. Wilson's agent, Robert Bry of St. Louis, said he hoped to be able to make an official comment by 5 p.m. today.

Wilson, 31, would give the Astros a solid middle-of-the-order run producer who can help protect Lance Berkman and Morgan Ensberg in the lineup. He has played center field most of his career.

Last year with the Colorado Rockies and Washington Nationals, Wilson hit .260 with 25 home runs, 90 RBIs and 148 strikeouts.

Somewhere, Jason Lane is p'ed off.

I am surprised they wouldn't let Lane play a full year. Unless, it's Bags that is affected at first maybe moving Berkman over there.

Even if berkman takes over full time at 1B they would still have 4 OFs

Good point as they will have Tav, Burke, Lane and now Wilson

Wasn't Burke a 2B in the minors? Think they may try him there?

Somebody called Craig Biggio plays there.

 

[shadyridr]

Also another point about Marte. Maybe at 1 point he was the #1 prospect in baseball but he clearly is not anymore after being traded for Renteria and then possibly Julio Lugo.

 

[ThisGuy]

Yudkin = my favorite bowtie wearing footballguy

Yudkin = Les Nesman. FBG keeps telling me they are going to give me an office. I put tape on the floor where the door is going to be. I got a new pocket protector for X-mas . . .

 

[roadeyes]

I just heard, on WEEI (Boston sports radio), that things are heating up with Tampa in regard to Lugo for Marte.

I hope it's not the case.

Unless they get Gathright what a horrible series of moves. Basically trading Renteria for Lugo. I know many on this board think Lugo is better than Renteria but that simply is not true. Lugo had a career year last year while Renteria had one of his worse years. There is no indication that Renteria wont turn it around to his other years. Renteria is simply a better player than Lugo and one year wont change my mind in that regard.

There is NO WAY the Sox trade Marte straight up for Lugo. That is essentially Edgar Renteria AND $8M for Julio Lugo.No way. Not going to happen. Ever.

 

[Furps]

BOS fans, step back from the ledge.NYY fans, stop celebrating your 2006 AL East Pennant in January.BOS is not going to trade Andy Marte to TPB for Julio Lugo. It's just not going to happen.

 

[roadeyes]

This interesting piece from ESPN Insider about the Sox:



Anyone who looked at the 2004 team and believed it should have been held together for 2007-08 was encouraging a blueprint for a team that -- barring a jump to a $$200 million payroll -- would not have been able to compete with the 2007-08 Devil Rays that will feature Delmon Young, Carl Crawford, Rocco Baldelli, B.J. Upton, et al. Last winter, Lucchino was the advocate for keeping Pedro Martinez ("I have a theory that you never give up on superstars," Lucchino said), and had he been able to strike with a three-year deal, it would have been in the long- and short-term best interest of the franchise to do so.

"Theo has been the principal advocate of the longer view of the Red Sox," says Lucchino, "and I have to say I think he has been correct."

Epstein's view is that without a $$200 million payroll, it is practically impossible in the American League East to win 95-100 games every year. The goal is to be in position to make that run seven or eight out of 10 years, which means that about once every five years they have to step back and, in Lucchino's words, "retool. Not rebuild, retool.

"We probably have not done as good a job of explaining our long view as we should have," Lucchino added. "We're not paring down payroll [Henry is adamant that they have $$135 million to spend]. But we do have to try to start working young players into Fenway Park."

Trading Ramirez to Baltimore -- which would also include Matt Clement -- for Miguel Tejada could be determined later this week. It has long been fueled on the Tejada end by his close friend, David Ortiz. It does not in any way include a four-way creation of a Mets fan's Internet fantasy.

This makes sense to me. It's insane to think that every year the Sox can trot out a co-favorite to win the WS with roughly half the payroll of the Yankees. Far better to survey the market, get younger and pick your spots. Yes, use the still significant payroll to keep up with Toronto and TB, and meanwhile develop some solid every day players ready to win the following year. The payroll flexibility can then be used to greatest effect by signing one or two immediate high impact FAs to make a run. Essentially combine methods: get younger like TB but still be able to land any big ticket free agent when needed.

 

[Jefferson the Caregiver]

BOS fans, step back from the ledge.

NYY fans, stop celebrating your 2006 AL East Pennant in January.

BOS is not going to trade Andy Marte to TPB for Julio Lugo. It's just not going to happen.

I agree that this trade as constituted will not happen.The Sox are not done yet, let's see how everything shapes up before we start handicapping their chances in 2006.

I don't know what the Yankee fans are so happy about. You need pitching to go far into the postseason and Chacon and Small are not going to carry you guys again this year. RJ is just old. So start worrying about your own sorry team.

 

[ThisGuy]

BOS fans, step back from the ledge.

NYY fans, stop celebrating your 2006 AL East Pennant in January.

BOS is not going to trade Andy Marte to TPB for Julio Lugo. It's just not going to happen.

I agree, that is a bit early. Is April too early?

 

[Jefferson the Caregiver]

]

I was just coming in here to post this.

I've been saying all along that this will be a rebuilding year for the Sox and that we might well finish in 3rd in the AL East. I can't believe how many people have come up to me "what's up with the Damon deal.... what are the Sox going to do now?"...etc etc etc. It's certainly been a comical offseason....

I'll be glad once spring training starts.

When you charge the highest ticket prices in baseball, you have a responsibility to be playoff caliber competitive.Right now, the Sox have no SS and CF. I think its okay for people to ask WTF is going on in the front office right now.

I do believe they are going to pull something off here though and there will be a buzz about this team come spring training.

 

[NFL Sunday Ticket]

,Jan 4 2006, 11:09 AM]



I was just coming in here to post this.

I've been saying all along that this will be a rebuilding year for the Sox and that we might well finish in 3rd in the AL East. I can't believe how many people have come up to me "what's up with the Damon deal.... what are the Sox going to do now?"...etc etc etc. It's certainly been a comical offseason....

I'll be glad once spring training starts.

When you charge the highest ticket prices in baseball, you have a responsibility to be playoff caliber competitive.Right now, the Sox have no SS and CF. I think its okay for people to ask WTF is going on in the front office right now.

I do believe they are going to pull something off here though and there will be a buzz about this team come spring training.

speaking of wtf is going on...about a month ago it was widely speculated that epstein would be back in either a president of baseball operations or as an advisor. THIS is one of the many articles i read with this information. it makes it sound like many think epstein is actually still pulling the strings from behind the curtain. this article is from dec 25th. i havent heard anything else since then. anything new?

 

[SteelCurtain]

I really wonder about the Red Sox.They trade Ramirez and Renteria in the same week and now its been over a month and there is no clear plan to replace them.They got blindsided by Theo leaving. They have no backup plan.They got blindsided by Damon leaving. They have no backup plan.It seemed like Theo always had about 10 different contingency plans. They current crew (Jed, Ben, Larry, John, etc) seem like they have NO PLAN!!!Its frustrating to have season tickets that will cost me $95 per game per ticket and get stuck with a second rate team.

 

[SteelCurtain]

,Jan 4 2006, 11:09 AM]



I was just coming in here to post this.

I've been saying all along that this will be a rebuilding year for the Sox and that we might well finish in 3rd in the AL East. I can't believe how many people have come up to me "what's up with the Damon deal.... what are the Sox going to do now?"...etc etc etc. It's certainly been a comical offseason....

I'll be glad once spring training starts.

When you charge the highest ticket prices in baseball, you have a responsibility to be playoff caliber competitive.Right now, the Sox have no SS and CF. I think its okay for people to ask WTF is going on in the front office right now.

I do believe they are going to pull something off here though and there will be a buzz about this team come spring training.

speaking of wtf is going on...about a month ago it was widely speculated that epstein would be back in either a president of baseball operations or as an advisor. THIS is one of the many articles i read with this information. it makes it sound like many think epstein is actually still pulling the strings from behind the curtain. this article is from dec 25th. i havent heard anything else since then. anything new?

no idea, but the Theo is an advisor rumors have quieted down.

 

[NFL Sunday Ticket]

,Jan 4 2006, 11:09 AM]



I was just coming in here to post this.

I've been saying all along that this will be a rebuilding year for the Sox and that we might well finish in 3rd in the AL East. I can't believe how many people have come up to me "what's up with the Damon deal.... what are the Sox going to do now?"...etc etc etc. It's certainly been a comical offseason....

I'll be glad once spring training starts.

When you charge the highest ticket prices in baseball, you have a responsibility to be playoff caliber competitive.Right now, the Sox have no SS and CF. I think its okay for people to ask WTF is going on in the front office right now.

I do believe they are going to pull something off here though and there will be a buzz about this team come spring training.

speaking of wtf is going on...about a month ago it was widely speculated that epstein would be back in either a president of baseball operations or as an advisor. THIS is one of the many articles i read with this information. it makes it sound like many think epstein is actually still pulling the strings from behind the curtain. this article is from dec 25th. i havent heard anything else since then. anything new?

no idea, but the Theo is an advisor rumors have quieted down.

yeah, thats what i mean. that was THE topic a month ago. now, all we hear about is chaos. i think what henry should have learned over the last couple months is that lucchino has value for this organization, but it is NOT baseball operations. there needs to be a direct line from lucchino to henry and from theo to henry. this organization needs epstein back....

 

[ThisGuy]

The Sox will miss Damon, but they should still be a top-six offense if Lowell comes back strong and if they come close to duplicating Damon's .367 on-base percentage in the leadoff position in front of Loretta; they are convinced that Kevin Youkilis will produce with a .400-something on-base percentage and 15-20 homers, and hence have tried to sign someone like J.T. Snow as a complement, not an alternative. They hope their defense is better.

From the Gammons article as well.

I know he is the biggest Red Sox apologist on the planet, but isn't this a LOT of question marks for a team expected to make the playoffs?

Plus there is no guarantee that the Holy Trinity of Pitchers will be as good as advertised.

 

[roadeyes]

The Sox will miss Damon, but they should still be a top-six offense if Lowell comes back strong and if they come close to duplicating Damon's .367 on-base percentage in the leadoff position in front of Loretta; they are convinced that Kevin Youkilis will produce with a .400-something on-base percentage and 15-20 homers, and hence have tried to sign someone like J.T. Snow as a complement, not an alternative. They hope their defense is better.

From the Gammons article as well.

I know he is the biggest Red Sox apologist on the planet, but isn't this a LOT of question marks for a team expected to make the playoffs?

Plus there is no guarantee that the Holy Trinity of Pitchers will be as good as advertised.

Well, to be fair we could write a similar sceanrio about the Yankee's rotation-IF Johnson stays healthy and returns to 03 form. IF Pavano is healthy and proves he can hold up. IF Mussina is healthy and stops the slow decline. IF Small continues his miraculous 05. IF Chacon, IF Dotel, IF Farnsworth....The difference is, I believe the Yankees team we see today is close to what we see on opening day. It's widely agreed that the Sox will make several more moves. Maybe those moves do absolutely nothing to improve the team, but we don't know yet.

 

[lastresort66]

Astros sign OF Preston Wilson to a tentative agreement...

Astros reach tentative agreement with Wilson

By JOSE DE JESUS ORTIZ

Copyright 2006 Houston chronicle

The Astros have reached a preliminary agreement with free agent outfielder Preston Wilson on a one-year deal, pending a physical.

Wilson was on a flight to Houston this afternoon to undergo his physical, and a news conference could be called to introduce the veteran slugger later today once Wilson undergoes and passes his physical.

"There's still some details to work out," Astros general manager Tim Purpura said.

Purpura withheld further comment until the deal was complete. Wilson's agent, Robert Bry of St. Louis, said he hoped to be able to make an official comment by 5 p.m. today.

Wilson, 31, would give the Astros a solid middle-of-the-order run producer who can help protect Lance Berkman and Morgan Ensberg in the lineup. He has played center field most of his career.

Last year with the Colorado Rockies and Washington Nationals, Wilson hit .260 with 25 home runs, 90 RBIs and 148 strikeouts.

Somewhere, Jason Lane is p'ed off.

I am surprised they wouldn't let Lane play a full year. Unless, it's Bags that is affected at first maybe moving Berkman over there.

Even if berkman takes over full time at 1B they would still have 4 OFs

Good point as they will have Tav, Burke, Lane and now Wilson

Wasn't Burke a 2B in the minors? Think they may try him there?

Somebody called Craig Biggio plays there.

Somebody called Craig Biggio is old.

 

[Jefferson the Caregiver]

Well, to be fair we could write a similar sceanrio about the Yankee's rotation-IF Johnson stays healthy and returns to 03 form. IF Pavano is healthy and proves he can hold up. IF Mussina is healthy and stops the slow decline. IF Small continues his miraculous 05. IF Chacon, IF Dotel, IF Farnsworth....

The difference is, I believe the Yankees team we see today is close to what we see on opening day. It's widely agreed that the Sox will make several more moves. Maybe those moves do absolutely nothing to improve the team, but we don't know yet.

It really is a joke that the Yankees fans think they have a great team on their hands. They have a good offense, big deal. How often does a good offense win a World Series by outpowering everyone. It rarely happens, ask the Red Sox. The Yankees pitching staff is mediocre at best and maybe even below average.

 

[Jefferson the Caregiver]

Its also laughable that prior to the Damon signing, George and the boys were getting criticized for not doing anything and that the Yankees would be taking a step back. They have sured about their bullpen with question marks like Dotel and Im not convinced that Farnsworth is ready for the pressure cooker.So all they have really done is sign Johnny Damon. I'm really not that impressed with their offseason. Good for them, they got a leadoff hitter but Johnny Damon does not put this team over the top, not even close.

 

[[icon]]

So all they have really done is sign Johnny Damon.

Thier only weak link was the pen. The injuries to the starters can't be expected to recur... and their only weak link was CF and POSSIBLY 2B though Cano showed flashes of brilliance for a rookie last year.

Where else do you propose they improve. Sure, they'd love to have a starting rotation like Chicago, but with a lineup like thiers, their current rotation is more than serviceable.

 

[shadyridr]

Well, to be fair we could write a similar sceanrio about the Yankee's rotation-IF Johnson stays healthy and returns to 03 form.  IF Pavano is healthy and proves he can hold up.  IF Mussina is healthy and stops the slow decline.  IF Small continues his miraculous 05.  IF Chacon, IF Dotel, IF Farnsworth....

The difference is, I believe the Yankees team we see today is close to what we see on opening day.  It's widely agreed that the Sox will make several more moves.  Maybe those moves do absolutely nothing to improve the team, but we don't know yet.

It really is a joke that the Yankees fans think they have a great team on their hands. They have a good offense, big deal. How often does a good offense win a World Series by outpowering everyone. It rarely happens, ask the Red Sox. The Yankees pitching staff is mediocre at best and maybe even below average.

Who the hell thinks we have a great team? I dont. Dont get me wrong they should win the division but I doubt they get to the WS. White Sox still have a much better team than the Yanks. I am in no way tooting the horn of the Yankees moves but its a stone cold fact that the Red Sox offseason has been absolutely horrible SO FAR. Thats all Ive been saying.

 

[shadyridr]

The Sox will miss Damon, but they should still be a top-six offense if Lowell comes back strong and if they come close to duplicating Damon's .367 on-base percentage in the leadoff position in front of Loretta; they are convinced that Kevin Youkilis will produce with a .400-something on-base percentage and 15-20 homers, and hence have tried to sign someone like J.T. Snow as a complement, not an alternative. They hope their defense is better.

From the Gammons article as well.

I know he is the biggest Red Sox apologist on the planet, but isn't this a LOT of question marks for a team expected to make the playoffs?

Plus there is no guarantee that the Holy Trinity of Pitchers will be as good as advertised.

Well, to be fair we could write a similar sceanrio about the Yankee's rotation-IF Johnson stays healthy and returns to 03 form. IF Pavano is healthy and proves he can hold up. IF Mussina is healthy and stops the slow decline. IF Small continues his miraculous 05. IF Chacon, IF Dotel, IF Farnsworth....The difference is, I believe the Yankees team we see today is close to what we see on opening day. It's widely agreed that the Sox will make several more moves. Maybe those moves do absolutely nothing to improve the team, but we don't know yet.

Even IF all those pitchers bomb the Yanks have a good shot at winning the division. They have such a great offense theyll still beat up on enough of the bad teams to win the division. After that I doubt they go very far.

 

[Jefferson the Caregiver]

,Jan 4 2006, 02:57 PM]

So all they have really done is sign Johnny Damon.

Thier only weak link was the pen. The injuries to the starters can't be expected to recur... and their only weak link was CF and POSSIBLY 2B though Cano showed flashes of brilliance for a rookie last year.

Where else do you propose they improve. Sure, they'd love to have a starting rotation like Chicago, but with a lineup like thiers, their current rotation is more than serviceable.

Their rotation is not good. Its aging quickly. You think Unit is going back to 2004 Unit? Mussina? Please.Pavano cannot handle primetime, he's about as good as Clement.

Aaron Small, a career journeyman. You expect him to step up like that again?

Chacon will be serviceable but please don't tell me that they aren't loaded with question marks, even in the pen too.

 

[shadyridr]

,Jan 4 2006, 02:57 PM]

So all they have really done is sign Johnny Damon. 

Thier only weak link was the pen. The injuries to the starters can't be expected to recur... and their only weak link was CF and POSSIBLY 2B though Cano showed flashes of brilliance for a rookie last year.

Where else do you propose they improve. Sure, they'd love to have a starting rotation like Chicago, but with a lineup like thiers, their current rotation is more than serviceable.

Their rotation is not good. Its aging quickly. You think Unit is going back to 2004 Unit? Pavano cannot handle primetime, he's about as good as Clement.

Even a crappy Johnson won 16 games last year. And at your Pavano comment. I guess winning a WS game vs the Yankees means he cant handle the primetime.

 

[shadyridr]

Name one team besides Chicago thats not loaded with question marks in their pitching staff.