Baseball Off-Season Thread (1 Viewer)

[Statorama]

There is no doubt that Konerko will resign with White Sox.

I have doubt. I have serious doubt.

I'd be surprised if the White Sox don't sign Kornerko long-term.There is a mutual desire for both sides to work a deal out - as long as some team doesn't offer an insane deal, the White Sox should get him back.

The one thing we'll never know is what went on behind the scenes before the start of the season...when the Sox and Konerko couldn't come to agreement on a contract. Does Konerko feel slighted that the Sox didn't think he was worth big money then, but suddenly do now?Konerko and AJ Burnett are essentially the only huge names on the free agent market. There are great complementary players available as well (Millwood, Ramon Hernandez), but if a team wants to make a splash....

Who does Baltimore have manning 1B these days?

 

[bialczabub]

I'd have to say this is one of the best SPorts Guy columns I've ever read.

I agree with everything on there (except maybe the "he's a good guy" thing )

I've read in a lot of places that it all came down to that article in the Boston Globe.I see this Shaughennesy guy on ESPN every once in awhile but don't know much about him. Was this is an inside hatchet job on Epstein?

Boston homers have any insight?

The Boston Globe owns part of the Red Sox. Shaughnnessy is a writer for the Globe. Allegedly, Epstein felt that some of the things said in the article were fed from Lucchino.Honestly, though, it sounds like icing on the cake.

 

[Furps]

ESPN.com reports Pat Gillick will be named the new GM of the Philadelphia Phillies.

 

[Furps]

OAK declines option on 1B Scott Hatteberg.SEA declines option on P Shigetoshi Hasegawa.

 

[Koya]

Heard a rumor on baseballtangent that Furcal has mentioned he would be willing to play 2B for the Mets.Not sure how the OBP would work, but that would be some CRAZY MI speed between he and Reyes. I had heard mild rumblings about this on NY radio a while back, fwiw.

 

[B Maverick]

LA Dodger wish list:LA needs to do the right thing and bring Konerko back to LA. They let him go since they had some kid named Beltre that was better. What happened to him?Hershiser manages the teamKonerko at 1stKent at 2ndIsturis and Robles at SSDionner Navar (sp?) is the catcherGet a 3rd baseman (Valentin isnt a long term guy but servicable until they unload some $$)Werth, Cruz can play the corner OF and they need a CFLowe, Perez, Penny pitching with the 3 or 4 young guys they had this year fighting for 4 and 5.Get Gangne healthyUnload JD Drew and Milton BradleyDreifort's contract is finally up so there is some 13 mill to spend

 

[Furps]

SEA exercises option on P Eddie Guardado.ATL exercises option on P John Thomson.FLA declines option on P Antonio Alfonseca.The Los Angeles Times reports that, "according to baseball sources," any possible trade to LAA involving BOS OF Manny Ramirez would likely expand to include a third team, ARZ, with 3B Troy Glaus being sent to the Red Sox.OF Matt Lawton will be suspended 10 games for testing positive for steroids. He is the 12th player to be penalized under MLB's new policy.EDIT: Spelling

 

[Furps]

Former Houston Astros General Manager Gerry Hunsicker will reportedly be named the new GM of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.EDIT: Now, he will reportedly join the Front Office, without necessarily being named GM.

 

[Koya]

Hoffman rumored to be in talks with the Mets.

 

[RBM]

Hoffman rumored to be in talks with the Mets.

 

[Lumbergh]

Hoffman rumored to be in talks with the Mets.

He obviously doesn't want to win a World Series before he retires.

 

[Furps]

Hoffman rumored to be in talks with the Mets.

Koya:IIRC, San Diego has exclusive negotiating rights with Hoffman until November 10.

 

[Koya]

Hoffman rumored to be in talks with the Mets.

Koya:IIRC, San Diego has exclusive negotiating rights with Hoffman until November 10.

Hmmm... this was reported on ESPN. Now I am confused.

 

[Lumbergh]

Hoffman rumored to be in talks with the Mets.

Koya:IIRC, San Diego has exclusive negotiating rights with Hoffman until November 10.

Hmmm... this was reported on ESPN. Now I am confused.

Nothing to be confused about. The "Hoffman to the Mets" rumor was probably the brain storm of the ESPN- New York division, which pretty much comprises of 95% of the ESPN braintrust.Because a "Hoffman is negotiating with the Cardinals" rumor just wouldn't be fun to the city of New York.

Considering this network's East Coast bias, I wouldn't be suprised if they're holding a wake for Epstein's departure from Boston. "Yeah, the White Sox finally won after all these yea......THEO'S GONE? NOOOOOO!!!!"

 

[Furps]

Koya:The truth may be somewhere in between:

Until then, these players can talk with other teams -- but can't negotiate.

ESPN could be, in part, correct - though my guess is they wished to leave the impression that things are further along ("in talks with the Mets") than is actually the case ("Mets called Hoffman's agent"). I'm sure this happens all the time. In fact, I have read recently of teams "talking" to Billy Wagner's agent, even though the Phillies have a similar window of exclusive negotiating rights.EDIT: Clarity.

 

[Skipjacks]

Here's a brief update on the directions the Orioles could be taking this offseason

http://orioles.mostvaluablenetwork.com/?p=272

 

[Mr. Know-It-All]

Lawton to the Yankees would be awesome. He could get his roids from Giambi's dealer.

 

[Lumbergh]

Lawton to the Yankees would be awesome. He could get his roids from Giambi's dealer.

Maybe Marvin Benard can come out of retirement now.

 

[Furps]

PIT P Mark Redman exercises player option.DET exercises team option on P Jamie Walker.

 

[Statorama]

Rotoworld is reporting that the Padres send Brian Lawrence and cash to the Nationals for Vinnie Castilla. Posted over in BBT as well.

 

[Lumbergh]

Rotoworld is reporting that the Padres send Brian Lawrence and cash to the Nationals for Vinnie Castilla. Posted over in BBT as well.

They're sending Lawrence WITH CASH for Castilla? GMs shouldn't let GMs trade drunk.Castilla + Petco Field = Useless.

Lawrence is gonna be good in Washington.

 

[Statorama]

Rotoworld is reporting that the Padres send Brian Lawrence and cash to the Nationals for Vinnie Castilla.  Posted over in BBT as well.

They're sending Lawrence WITH CASH for Castilla? GMs shouldn't let GMs trade drunk.Castilla + Petco Field = Useless.

Lawrence is gonna be good in Washington.

Yep, on the surface this looks like a huge mistake for the Padres. Did Lawrence have one of those backloaded contracts like Bagwell and Pettitte?

 

[Spiderman]

There is no doubt that Konerko will resign with White Sox.

I have doubt. I have serious doubt.

I'd be surprised if the White Sox don't sign Kornerko long-term.There is a mutual desire for both sides to work a deal out - as long as some team doesn't offer an insane deal, the White Sox should get him back.

The one thing we'll never know is what went on behind the scenes before the start of the season...when the Sox and Konerko couldn't come to agreement on a contract. Does Konerko feel slighted that the Sox didn't think he was worth big money then, but suddenly do now?Konerko and AJ Burnett are essentially the only huge names on the free agent market. There are great complementary players available as well (Millwood, Ramon Hernandez), but if a team wants to make a splash....

Who does Baltimore have manning 1B these days?

The White Sox and Konerko didn't come to an agreement because they didn't talk about a long-term deal.After the White Sox traded Carlos Lee, and Magglio Ordonez go in free agency, GM Kenny Williams told Konerko that he wanted to see how the season went with the change in direction.

Obviously, that's going to cost the White Sox some extra money now!

 

[Lumbergh]

Rotoworld is reporting that the Padres send Brian Lawrence and cash to the Nationals for Vinnie Castilla. Posted over in BBT as well.

They're sending Lawrence WITH CASH for Castilla? GMs shouldn't let GMs trade drunk.Castilla + Petco Field = Useless.

Lawrence is gonna be good in Washington.

Yep, on the surface this looks like a huge mistake for the Padres. Did Lawrence have one of those backloaded contracts like Bagwell and Pettitte?

Beats me, but I don't think his play has been unbearable enough to warrant suffering through watching Castilla hit pop outs to left field (while he wonders why they aren't going far enough for homers) instead. I didn't follow the Pads too well, though.

 

[Spiderman]

Local sports radio here in Chicago had some 'inside' information regarding the White Sox:1) They plan on offering Konerko a deal of somewhere between 48 and 53 million over 4 years.2) Carl Everett, who they declined the option on, leaves them a left-handed power hitter short. Now, there's always a chance that Everett could resign, but the White Sox could be interested in (no order): Hank Blalock, who had a bad second half for Texas, Overbay from Milwaukee, and Audrey Huff from TB.- The host talking claimed to have inside information, and is a baseball junkie, but at this point its' only speculation so take it for what it's worth.

 

[Furps]

Hank Blalock

Well, of course the White Sox "could be interested" in Hank Blalock. I'd assume they "could be interested" in Albert Pujols and Alex Rodriguez, as well. But why would Texas?This is crazy talk.No offense, obviously, to you Spiderman (that was weird typing that). I know you're just reporting what you heard...Thanks for doing so.

 

[Furps]

SDP trade P Brian Lawrence and cash to WDC for 3B Vinny Castilla.

 

[Spiderman]

Hank Blalock

Well, of course the White Sox "could be interested" in Hank Blalock. I'd assume they "could be interested" in Albert Pujols and Alex Rodriguez, as well. But why would Texas?This is crazy talk.

No offense, obviously, to you Spiderman (that was weird typing that). I know you're just reporting what you heard...Thanks for doing so.

That was my exact reaction...I meant to ask the question - has anyone heard anything about Blalock being availiable ?

I would think that name, if there's any truth at all, was more of a wish list - like "I'd love to have Blalock, but Huff is a more reasonable option to acquire".

Anyways, I understand the 'crazy talk' comment - I agree with that in regards to Blalock - the rest seems to be realistic at least.

 

[Statorama]

Local sports radio here in Chicago had some 'inside' information regarding the White Sox:

1) They plan on offering Konerko a deal of somewhere between 48 and 53 million over 4 years.

I think that would get it done. Something tells me Konerko would stay in Chicago if the money's the same.

 

[Furps]

LAD P Elmer Dessens declines player option.

 

[guru_007]

Anyone else hearing the crazy 3-way trade with ManRam?I hear the Red Sox get Erstad and a prospect, Man Ram goes to the Diamondbacks and the Angels get something. Heard it this morning, but this makes little sense to me.

 

[bialczabub]

Anyone else hearing the crazy 3-way trade with ManRam?

I hear the Red Sox get Erstad and a prospect, Man Ram goes to the Diamondbacks and the Angels get something. Heard it this morning, but this makes little sense to me.

If this were true it raises an interesting question. If you were the Red Sox, what would you rather have?:A) Erstad and a prospect

B) two prospects

 

[guru_007]

Anyone else hearing the crazy 3-way trade with ManRam?

I hear the Red Sox get Erstad and a prospect, Man Ram goes to the Diamondbacks and the Angels get something.  Heard it this morning, but this makes little sense to me.

If this were true it raises an interesting question. If you were the Red Sox, what would you rather have?:A) Erstad and a prospect

B) two prospects

I wouldn't want Erstad. No offense to the guy, but his best days are behind him, he's chronically injured, and he's just not a superior offensive or defensive talent. He is a mediocre starter getting paid millions.

 

[bialczabub]

I wouldn't want Erstad.  No offense to the guy, but his best days are behind him, he's chronically injured, and he's just not a superior offensive or defensive talent.  He is a mediocre starter getting paid millions.

Yeah, that's what I was getting at. The Sox would only do that to clear up money for another big free agent, which this year just doesn't exist I don't think.They lose a lot of wallop in their lineup if Manny leaves. Unless they get another extremely formidable bat in there to replace him, you can pretty much subtract 10 HRs from Ortiz's season.

 

[Furps]

CLE exercises option on 2B Ronnie Belliard.

 

[Mr. Know-It-All]

Hank Blalock

Well, of course the White Sox "could be interested" in Hank Blalock. I'd assume they "could be interested" in Albert Pujols and Alex Rodriguez, as well. But why would Texas?This is crazy talk.

No offense, obviously, to you Spiderman (that was weird typing that). I know you're just reporting what you heard...Thanks for doing so.

That was my exact reaction...I meant to ask the question - has anyone heard anything about Blalock being availiable ?

I would think that name, if there's any truth at all, was more of a wish list - like "I'd love to have Blalock, but Huff is a more reasonable option to acquire".

Anyways, I understand the 'crazy talk' comment - I agree with that in regards to Blalock - the rest seems to be realistic at least.

The Cardinals are by far my favorite team, but I watch a lot of Rangers games to get my fix of AL action (god bless Major League Baseball Extra Innings packgae).I am firmly convinced the Rangers need to dump Blalock, move Tex to third and play Gonzales at first.

 

[Spiderman]

The White Sox have declined to pick up the 10M option on Frank Thomas' contract - he will become a free agent. Both sides seem agreeable to working out a new deal, of course depending on his health.The White Sox have also resigned catcher Chris Widger to a 1 year, $660,000 contract.

 

[Bobcat10]

CLE exercises option on 2B Ronnie Belliard.

Also will go after Giles, but will probably get outbid. I'm not liking too many of the other OFs out there.

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

Also will go after Giles, but will probably get outbid. I'm not liking too many of the other OFs out there.

Where is Ricardo Rincon these days?

 

[Furps]

Nevermind.

 

[Furps]

CHW buys out DH Frank Thomas for $3.5 million. He is now a free agent.EDIT: Spelling.

 

[Statorama]

I am firmly convinced the Rangers need to dump Blalock, move Tex to third and play Gonzales at first.

They'd get a ton for Blalock, that's for sure.

 

[Thunderlips]

How about Blalock for Ryan Howard?

 

[Furps]

move Tex to third

Is this smart? According to Bill James:

The defensive spectrum looks like this: [ - - 1B - LF - RF - 3B - CF - 2B - SS - C - - ] with the basic premise being that positions at the right end of the spectrum are more difficult than the positions at the left end of the spectrum. Players can generally move from right to left along the specturm successfully during their careers.

 

[Mr. Know-It-All]

move Tex to third

Is this smart? According to Bill James:

The defensive spectrum looks like this:

[ - - 1B - LF - RF - 3B - CF - 2B - SS - C - - ]

with the basic premise being that positions at the right end of

the spectrum are more difficult than the positions at the left

end of the spectrum.  Players can generally move from right

to left along the specturm successfully during their careers.

Tex was originally a decent 3B. His move to 1B necessitated by the presence of Blalock IIRC. Gonzales is a big bat, but a defensive liability in the OF.

 

[Furps]

Tex was originally a decent 3B.

And Jorge Posada was originally a decent 2B.I know what you're saying, but I just disagree. If TEX really feels the need to move Blalock to make room for A.Gonzalez, (I just disagree with that too), how about signing Bill Mueller to play 3B and move Tex to LF? I don't follow TEX closely, but agree Blalock would reap a windfall of both major league and minor league talent.BOS Gets Hank BlalockTEX Gets Kevin Youkilis, Matt Clement & Anibal SanchezThis is fun.

 

[bialczabub]

how about signing Bill Mueller to play 3B and move Tex to LF?

Bill Mueller has white goattee hair.Regardless of how old he actually is, this scares away potential suitors.

 

[Furps]

STL reportedly exercises option on P Jeff Suppan.

 

[Furps]

LAA signs Manager Mike Scioscia to extension through 2009 season.

 

[Furps]

OAK P Huston Street named AL Rookie of the Year.PHI 1B Ryan Howard named NL Rookie of the Year.