Baseball Off-Season Thread (1 Viewer)

[whoknew]

Channel 5 news in St. Louis is reporting the Cardinals will announce they have signed Sidney Ponson.

I really like this deal. It's kind of under the radar.1 year/$1MM + possible incentives (from what I understand)

There's almost no downside to the Cards, only upside.

 

[Michael Brown]

Channel 5 news in St. Louis is reporting the Cardinals will announce they have signed Sidney Ponson.

I really like this deal. It's kind of under the radar.1 year/$1MM + possible incentives (from what I understand)

There's almost no downside to the Cards, only upside.

Unless he eats David Eckstein.

 

[lastresort66]

Channel 5 news in St. Louis is reporting the Cardinals will announce they have signed Sidney Ponson.

I really like this deal. It's kind of under the radar.1 year/$1MM + possible incentives (from what I understand)

There's almost no downside to the Cards, only upside.

Unless he eats David Eckstein.

 

[Mr. Know-It-All]

Channel 5 news in St. Louis is reporting the Cardinals will announce they have signed Sidney Ponson.

I really like this deal. It's kind of under the radar.1 year/$1MM + possible incentives (from what I understand)

There's almost no downside to the Cards, only upside.

Him being a starter is downside. He is HORRIBLE and I guarantee he is a clubhouse cancer that we do not need. For the love of God, why would we bring this reincarnation of Terry Forster to St Louis?Worst off season ever by Jocketty. Just horrible.

 

[Daywalker]

If I was a Yanks fan I would have prefered signing C. Beltran last year over Damon. They needed a CF last offseason as well.

 

[whoknew]

Channel 5 news in St. Louis is reporting the Cardinals will announce they have signed Sidney Ponson.

I really like this deal. It's kind of under the radar.1 year/$1MM + possible incentives (from what I understand)

There's almost no downside to the Cards, only upside.

Him being a starter is downside. He is HORRIBLE and I guarantee he is a clubhouse cancer that we do not need. For the love of God, why would we bring this reincarnation of Terry Forster to St Louis?Worst off season ever by Jocketty. Just horrible.

The guy has had some good years and has talent. Granted, he's sucked the last couple of years. But so what? If he finds how to use his talent - great. If he sucks and is a clubhouse cancer, cut him. Nothing lost.

 

[bialczabub]

If I was a Yanks fan I would have prefered signing C. Beltran last year over Damon. They needed a CF last offseason as well.

You're not exactly building a case for landing an MLB GM position here.Beltran had a season more like Bernie Williams' than Damon's, and will be on the hook 6 years from now.

 

[David Yudkin]

Scuttlebutt on tv tonight was that the Red Sox will make a play for Cory Patterson of the Cubs.

 

[Daywalker]

If I was a Yanks fan I would have prefered signing C. Beltran last year over Damon.  They needed a CF last offseason as well.

You're not exactly building a case for landing an MLB GM position here.Beltran had a season more like Bernie Williams' than Damon's, and will be on the hook 6 years from now.

Beltran in the yanks lineup would have been a different story.

 

[bialczabub]

Scuttlebutt on tv tonight was that the Red Sox will make a play for Cory Patterson of the Cubs.

That has all the trappings of a desperation move.

 

[David Yudkin]

Scuttlebutt on tv tonight was that the Red Sox will make a play for Cory Patterson of the Cubs.

That has all the trappings of a desperation move.

Somebody's got to play CF . . .

 

[Pat Patriot]

Scuttlebutt on tv tonight was that the Red Sox will make a play for Cory Patterson of the Cubs.

That has all the trappings of a desperation move.

That would be a terrible move by the Sox. If you can get him reasonably, go get Jeremy Reed from Seattle. If not, use Adam Stern this year and go after Torii Hunter at the trade deadline.

 

[bialczabub]

If I was a Yanks fan I would have prefered signing C. Beltran last year over Damon.  They needed a CF last offseason as well.

You're not exactly building a case for landing an MLB GM position here.Beltran had a season more like Bernie Williams' than Damon's, and will be on the hook 6 years from now.

Beltran in the yanks lineup would have been a different story.

He batted .266. They pitched around him in the Mets lineup? Then why did he only draw 56 walks? Damon had 53 and was accused of being "free-swinging" earlier in this thread. If you include Matt Lawton, 7 Yankees had more than 56 walks last season. That's on a lineup that was pretty good top to bottom.Beltran had an awful year last year for the money he made. If he continues along these lines, his Mets contract will long be compared to Bonilla's and Mo Vaughn's.

 

[bialczabub]

Scuttlebutt on tv tonight was that the Red Sox will make a play for Cory Patterson of the Cubs.

That has all the trappings of a desperation move.

That would be a terrible move by the Sox. If you can get him reasonably, go get Jeremy Reed from Seattle. If not, use Adam Stern this year and go after Torii Hunter at the trade deadline.

Yeah, I just don't see the Sox doing that.

 

[Furps]

BOS -> Mark Prior +

BAL -> Manny Ramirez

CHC -> Miguel Tejada

Rosenthal Blockbuster RUMOR

Wow.

 

[Spiderman]

Damon can’t pitch, so don’t fret, Sox fans Barry RoznerIf you’re a White Sox fan suddenly afraid of the big, bad Yankees because they picked up a wolf in Red Sox clothing, we have just two words for you: Kyle Farnsworth. That should take some of the sting out of the Yankees signing Johnny Damon, who apparently is causing apoplexy among some White Sox fans. Seriously? You’re worried about the Yankees now because of Damon? Hey, there’s no doubt he’s a heck of a player, and he filled two gaping holes for the Bombers. But unless he can pitch for them, it doesn’t change the balance of power in the American League. The Yankees are becoming the Red Sox of 2005, possessing a frightening lineup with a disastrous starting rotation that strikes fear into the hearts of precisely no one. Sorry, but our position hasn’t changed from a year ago when we told you the White Sox were approaching this the correct way, through pitching, defense and some speed at the top. They continue to go at the rest of the league in that fashion, and we’ve yet to see anyone put together a rotation that can touch the White Sox. Yes, the Yankees have added Farnsworth, Octavio Dotel, Ron Villone and Mike Myers to help them get from the starters to Mariano Rivera, but only Myers is worth the money, and he’s a one- or two-batter specialist. So unless Damon does something about that weak arm of his, how does he help Randy Johnson, Mike Mussina, Carl Pavano, Shawn Chacon, Chien-Ming Wang and Jaret Wright fill out a rotation? They’re old, hurt, unproven or inconsistent, and the Yankees will still have trouble bridging the gap to Rivera. But the Yankees, being a national team, saw their odds fall at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas from 4-1 to 3-1 overnight with the Damon signing, and from 3-1 to 2-1 to win the AL pennant. “They had a weakness in center and at leadoff, and their main off-season goal was to address that,’’ said Caesars Palace sportsbook manager Chuck Esposito. “It was not a surprise that this moved the line on them.’’ The White Sox, however, have also been moving. Before the 2005 World Series, the Sox were 20-1 to win it all in 2006. They now sit at 7-1 to win the Fall Classic (4-1 to win the pennant) after several acquisitions and the recognition that they may do even more before spring training. “They haven’t sat back and said, ‘We’re happy to have one title after 80 years.’ They’re acting like they want to win again,’’ Esposito said. “They’ll probably never be a ‘public team’ like the Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs, Dodgers or Mets, but people are paying attention. “The good news is you get a more genuine price on them than you do those public teams because people will bet those public teams no matter what they do.’’ So the Sox aren’t the betting favorites, and it hardly matters because logic tells you they have the strongest roster, and GM Kenny Williams probably isn’t done. Always looking ahead, and always looking to bring in hungry players who haven’t won a title, don’t be stunned if he finds a way to get a Hank Blalock or Miguel Tejada, and parts ways with a Joe Crede or Jon Garland. Williams will do whatever he must to put in place a squad that competes for a title every year, not just once a century or even once a decade. So rather than worry about the other teams and the moves they’re making, start embracing the idea that your team is the champ and everyone else has to take it away. We’re a long way from postseason 2006, and if both the White Sox and Yanks make it that far and have to play each other in October, then you can think about the Yankees and whether they have enough pitching in a short series to stay with the South Siders. On the other hand, if Jim Thome and Scott Podsednik are healthy, the Sox will have plenty of offense to keep the New Yorkers thinking. In the meantime, it’s not even Boxing Day 2005 and some White Sox fans are in a lather over a New York center fielder beating them in October 2006. For the love of Mike Squires, you’re the defending champions. Sit back, enjoy it and relax. It’s nearly time to say good-bye to 2005, the year you waited for your entire life. Why not toast it with a smile on your face? Your fear of Johnny Damon can wait.

 

[jerseyh8r]

If I was a Yanks fan I would have prefered signing C. Beltran last year over Damon. They needed a CF last offseason as well.

You're not exactly building a case for landing an MLB GM position here.Beltran had a season more like Bernie Williams' than Damon's, and will be on the hook 6 years from now.

Beltran in the yanks lineup would have been a different story.

He batted .266. They pitched around him in the Mets lineup? Then why did he only draw 56 walks? Damon had 53 and was accused of being "free-swinging" earlier in this thread. If you include Matt Lawton, 7 Yankees had more than 56 walks last season. That's on a lineup that was pretty good top to bottom.Beltran had an awful year last year for the money he made. If he continues along these lines, his Mets contract will long be compared to Bonilla's and Mo Vaughn's.

The Yanks made a terrible move by going after RJohnson last season. With the tax now in place, the Yanks need to maintain a 180-200 million payroll, so they couldn't afford Beltran when they knew that they needed a CF.Beltran had a bad season last year, granted, but not enough for Mets fans not to be unhappy with him or for Yanks fans to be happy they don't have him. Randolph completely misused Beltran in that line-up (not to mention Wright batting too low all season too). Beltran is being paid the numbers of a 3-5 hitter, but he is a natural 2, and should be utilized as such. The guy was playing injured with a bad leg the 1st half of the season, and we all saw the injury the 2nd half (before which he had started to pick up the numbers and was hitting almost .300 the month leading up to it). He plays a good outfield and has an above average arm. Beltran's numbers would also receive a small bump if he were to play in the AL. Don't get me wrong....he is overpaid, but he will probably give the Mets a consistent .280 to .300 with 10-15 HR and 30 2Bs yearly while playing a solid outfield.

The problem is that the Yanks overpaid for Damon as well....as a Yank fan I would have prefered that they waited and try to get Hunter or Jones next season. I would be willing to wager that neither guy makes more in the 2007 season than the Yanks just paid Damon. The other problem is that the Yanks were not a CF away from the WS. Damon makes them better, but only a better flawed team. They were already second in scoring last year, yet they couldn't make a dent in the playoffs....they will be first in scoring this season, but still aren't built for post-season success.

Just my

 

[ThisGuy]

Damon can’t pitch, so don’t fret, Sox fans

Barry Rozner

If you’re a White Sox fan suddenly afraid of the big, bad Yankees because they picked up a wolf in Red Sox clothing, we have just two words for you:

Kyle Farnsworth.

That should take some of the sting out of the Yankees signing Johnny Damon, who apparently is causing apoplexy among some White Sox fans.

Seriously? You’re worried about the Yankees now because of Damon?

Hey, there’s no doubt he’s a heck of a player, and he filled two gaping holes for the Bombers. But unless he can pitch for them, it doesn’t change the balance of power in the American League.

The Yankees are becoming the Red Sox of 2005, possessing a frightening lineup with a disastrous starting rotation that strikes fear into the hearts of precisely no one.

Sorry, but our position hasn’t changed from a year ago when we told you the White Sox were approaching this the correct way, through pitching, defense and some speed at the top.

They continue to go at the rest of the league in that fashion, and we’ve yet to see anyone put together a rotation that can touch the White Sox.

Yes, the Yankees have added Farnsworth, Octavio Dotel, Ron Villone and Mike Myers to help them get from the starters to Mariano Rivera, but only Myers is worth the money, and he’s a one- or two-batter specialist.

So unless Damon does something about that weak arm of his, how does he help Randy Johnson, Mike Mussina, Carl Pavano, Shawn Chacon, Chien-Ming Wang and Jaret Wright fill out a rotation?

They’re old, hurt, unproven or inconsistent, and the Yankees will still have trouble bridging the gap to Rivera.

But the Yankees, being a national team, saw their odds fall at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas from 4-1 to 3-1 overnight with the Damon signing, and from 3-1 to 2-1 to win the AL pennant.

“They had a weakness in center and at leadoff, and their main off-season goal was to address that,’’ said Caesars Palace sportsbook manager Chuck Esposito. “It was not a surprise that this moved the line on them.’’

The White Sox, however, have also been moving. Before the 2005 World Series, the Sox were 20-1 to win it all in 2006. They now sit at 7-1 to win the Fall Classic (4-1 to win the pennant) after several acquisitions and the recognition that they may do even more before spring training.

“They haven’t sat back and said, ‘We’re happy to have one title after 80 years.’ They’re acting like they want to win again,’’ Esposito said. “They’ll probably never be a ‘public team’ like the Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs, Dodgers or Mets, but people are paying attention.

“The good news is you get a more genuine price on them than you do those public teams because people will bet those public teams no matter what they do.’’

So the Sox aren’t the betting favorites, and it hardly matters because logic tells you they have the strongest roster, and GM Kenny Williams probably isn’t done.

Always looking ahead, and always looking to bring in hungry players who haven’t won a title, don’t be stunned if he finds a way to get a Hank Blalock or Miguel Tejada, and parts ways with a Joe Crede or Jon Garland.

Williams will do whatever he must to put in place a squad that competes for a title every year, not just once a century or even once a decade.

So rather than worry about the other teams and the moves they’re making, start embracing the idea that your team is the champ and everyone else has to take it away.

We’re a long way from postseason 2006, and if both the White Sox and Yanks make it that far and have to play each other in October, then you can think about the Yankees and whether they have enough pitching in a short series to stay with the South Siders.

On the other hand, if Jim Thome and Scott Podsednik are healthy, the Sox will have plenty of offense to keep the New Yorkers thinking.

In the meantime, it’s not even Boxing Day 2005 and some White Sox fans are in a lather over a New York center fielder beating them in October 2006.

For the love of Mike Squires, you’re the defending champions. Sit back, enjoy it and relax.

It’s nearly time to say good-bye to 2005, the year you waited for your entire life.

Why not toast it with a smile on your face?

Your fear of Johnny Damon can wait.

I didn't realize the Damon signing put the White Sox fans on the brink.Overreation, perhaps? After all, they are the champs.

Their rotation isn't Papelbon, Lester and Hansen, but they all have rings.

 

[Spiderman]

Damon can’t pitch, so don’t fret, Sox fans

Barry Rozner

If you’re a White Sox fan suddenly afraid of the big, bad Yankees because they picked up a wolf in Red Sox clothing, we have just two words for you:

Kyle Farnsworth.

That should take some of the sting out of the Yankees signing Johnny Damon, who apparently is causing apoplexy among some White Sox fans.

Seriously? You’re worried about the Yankees now because of Damon?

Hey, there’s no doubt he’s a heck of a player, and he filled two gaping holes for the Bombers. But unless he can pitch for them, it doesn’t change the balance of power in the American League.

The Yankees are becoming the Red Sox of 2005, possessing a frightening lineup with a disastrous starting rotation that strikes fear into the hearts of precisely no one.

Sorry, but our position hasn’t changed from a year ago when we told you the White Sox were approaching this the correct way, through pitching, defense and some speed at the top.

They continue to go at the rest of the league in that fashion, and we’ve yet to see anyone put together a rotation that can touch the White Sox.

Yes, the Yankees have added Farnsworth, Octavio Dotel, Ron Villone and Mike Myers to help them get from the starters to Mariano Rivera, but only Myers is worth the money, and he’s a one- or two-batter specialist.

So unless Damon does something about that weak arm of his, how does he help Randy Johnson, Mike Mussina, Carl Pavano, Shawn Chacon, Chien-Ming Wang and Jaret Wright fill out a rotation?

They’re old, hurt, unproven or inconsistent, and the Yankees will still have trouble bridging the gap to Rivera.

But the Yankees, being a national team, saw their odds fall at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas from 4-1 to 3-1 overnight with the Damon signing, and from 3-1 to 2-1 to win the AL pennant.

“They had a weakness in center and at leadoff, and their main off-season goal was to address that,’’ said Caesars Palace sportsbook manager Chuck Esposito. “It was not a surprise that this moved the line on them.’’

The White Sox, however, have also been moving. Before the 2005 World Series, the Sox were 20-1 to win it all in 2006. They now sit at 7-1 to win the Fall Classic (4-1 to win the pennant) after several acquisitions and the recognition that they may do even more before spring training.

“They haven’t sat back and said, ‘We’re happy to have one title after 80 years.’ They’re acting like they want to win again,’’ Esposito said. “They’ll probably never be a ‘public team’ like the Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs, Dodgers or Mets, but people are paying attention.

“The good news is you get a more genuine price on them than you do those public teams because people will bet those public teams no matter what they do.’’

So the Sox aren’t the betting favorites, and it hardly matters because logic tells you they have the strongest roster, and GM Kenny Williams probably isn’t done.

Always looking ahead, and always looking to bring in hungry players who haven’t won a title, don’t be stunned if he finds a way to get a Hank Blalock or Miguel Tejada, and parts ways with a Joe Crede or Jon Garland.

Williams will do whatever he must to put in place a squad that competes for a title every year, not just once a century or even once a decade.

So rather than worry about the other teams and the moves they’re making, start embracing the idea that your team is the champ and everyone else has to take it away.

We’re a long way from postseason 2006, and if both the White Sox and Yanks make it that far and have to play each other in October, then you can think about the Yankees and whether they have enough pitching in a short series to stay with the South Siders.

On the other hand, if Jim Thome and Scott Podsednik are healthy, the Sox will have plenty of offense to keep the New Yorkers thinking.

In the meantime, it’s not even Boxing Day 2005 and some White Sox fans are in a lather over a New York center fielder beating them in October 2006.

For the love of Mike Squires, you’re the defending champions. Sit back, enjoy it and relax.

It’s nearly time to say good-bye to 2005, the year you waited for your entire life.

Why not toast it with a smile on your face?

Your fear of Johnny Damon can wait.

I didn't realize the Damon signing put the White Sox fans on the brink.Overreation, perhaps? After all, they are the champs.

Their rotation isn't Papelbon, Lester and Hansen, but they all have rings.

Neither did I ....I posted the article more to point out that the pitching is the question for the Yankees. They had a great offense, with/without Damon.

 

[ThisGuy]

If I was a Yanks fan I would have prefered signing C. Beltran last year over Damon.  They needed a CF last offseason as well.

You're not exactly building a case for landing an MLB GM position here.Beltran had a season more like Bernie Williams' than Damon's, and will be on the hook 6 years from now.

Beltran in the yanks lineup would have been a different story.

He batted .266. They pitched around him in the Mets lineup? Then why did he only draw 56 walks? Damon had 53 and was accused of being "free-swinging" earlier in this thread. If you include Matt Lawton, 7 Yankees had more than 56 walks last season. That's on a lineup that was pretty good top to bottom.Beltran had an awful year last year for the money he made. If he continues along these lines, his Mets contract will long be compared to Bonilla's and Mo Vaughn's.

The Yanks made a terrible move by going after RJohnson last season. With the tax now in place, the Yanks need to maintain a 180-200 million payroll, so they couldn't afford Beltran when they knew that they needed a CF.Beltran had a bad season last year, granted, but not enough for Mets fans not to be unhappy with him or for Yanks fans to be happy they don't have him. Randolph completely misused Beltran in that line-up (not to mention Wright batting too low all season too). Beltran is being paid the numbers of a 3-5 hitter, but he is a natural 2, and should be utilized as such. The guy was playing injured with a bad leg the 1st half of the season, and we all saw the injury the 2nd half (before which he had started to pick up the numbers and was hitting almost .300 the month leading up to it). He plays a good outfield and has an above average arm. Beltran's numbers would also receive a small bump if he were to play in the AL. Don't get me wrong....he is overpaid, but he will probably give the Mets a consistent .280 to .300 with 10-15 HR and 30 2Bs yearly while playing a solid outfield.

The problem is that the Yanks overpaid for Damon as well....as a Yank fan I would have prefered that they waited and try to get Hunter or Jones next season. I would be willing to wager that neither guy makes more in the 2007 season than the Yanks just paid Damon. The other problem is that the Yanks were not a CF away from the WS. Damon makes them better, but only a better flawed team. They were already second in scoring last year, yet they couldn't make a dent in the playoffs....they will be first in scoring this season, but still aren't built for post-season success.

Just my

The bullpen is better. While Farnsworth, Villone, and Myers aren't the greatest, they are better than Proctor, Franklin, and Stanton. Dotel will get healthy and be a nice replacement for Gordon, especially down the stretch. Chacon and Wang proved themselves last year and I believe the rotation will be stronger this year.Trading Pavano should bring them something decent in return.

Damon can still go get the ball and is exactly what they need at the top of the lineup.

 

[ThisGuy]

Damon can’t pitch, so don’t fret, Sox fans

Barry Rozner

If you’re a White Sox fan suddenly afraid of the big, bad Yankees because they picked up a wolf in Red Sox clothing, we have just two words for you:

Kyle Farnsworth.

That should take some of the sting out of the Yankees signing Johnny Damon, who apparently is causing apoplexy among some White Sox fans.

Seriously? You’re worried about the Yankees now because of Damon?

Hey, there’s no doubt he’s a heck of a player, and he filled two gaping holes for the Bombers. But unless he can pitch for them, it doesn’t change the balance of power in the American League.

The Yankees are becoming the Red Sox of 2005, possessing a frightening lineup with a disastrous starting rotation that strikes fear into the hearts of precisely no one.

Sorry, but our position hasn’t changed from a year ago when we told you the White Sox were approaching this the correct way, through pitching, defense and some speed at the top.

They continue to go at the rest of the league in that fashion, and we’ve yet to see anyone put together a rotation that can touch the White Sox.

Yes, the Yankees have added Farnsworth, Octavio Dotel, Ron Villone and Mike Myers to help them get from the starters to Mariano Rivera, but only Myers is worth the money, and he’s a one- or two-batter specialist.

So unless Damon does something about that weak arm of his, how does he help Randy Johnson, Mike Mussina, Carl Pavano, Shawn Chacon, Chien-Ming Wang and Jaret Wright fill out a rotation?

They’re old, hurt, unproven or inconsistent, and the Yankees will still have trouble bridging the gap to Rivera.

But the Yankees, being a national team, saw their odds fall at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas from 4-1 to 3-1 overnight with the Damon signing, and from 3-1 to 2-1 to win the AL pennant.

“They had a weakness in center and at leadoff, and their main off-season goal was to address that,’’ said Caesars Palace sportsbook manager Chuck Esposito. “It was not a surprise that this moved the line on them.’’

The White Sox, however, have also been moving. Before the 2005 World Series, the Sox were 20-1 to win it all in 2006. They now sit at 7-1 to win the Fall Classic (4-1 to win the pennant) after several acquisitions and the recognition that they may do even more before spring training.

“They haven’t sat back and said, ‘We’re happy to have one title after 80 years.’ They’re acting like they want to win again,’’ Esposito said. “They’ll probably never be a ‘public team’ like the Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs, Dodgers or Mets, but people are paying attention.

“The good news is you get a more genuine price on them than you do those public teams because people will bet those public teams no matter what they do.’’

So the Sox aren’t the betting favorites, and it hardly matters because logic tells you they have the strongest roster, and GM Kenny Williams probably isn’t done.

Always looking ahead, and always looking to bring in hungry players who haven’t won a title, don’t be stunned if he finds a way to get a Hank Blalock or Miguel Tejada, and parts ways with a Joe Crede or Jon Garland.

Williams will do whatever he must to put in place a squad that competes for a title every year, not just once a century or even once a decade.

So rather than worry about the other teams and the moves they’re making, start embracing the idea that your team is the champ and everyone else has to take it away.

We’re a long way from postseason 2006, and if both the White Sox and Yanks make it that far and have to play each other in October, then you can think about the Yankees and whether they have enough pitching in a short series to stay with the South Siders.

On the other hand, if Jim Thome and Scott Podsednik are healthy, the Sox will have plenty of offense to keep the New Yorkers thinking.

In the meantime, it’s not even Boxing Day 2005 and some White Sox fans are in a lather over a New York center fielder beating them in October 2006.

For the love of Mike Squires, you’re the defending champions. Sit back, enjoy it and relax.

It’s nearly time to say good-bye to 2005, the year you waited for your entire life.

Why not toast it with a smile on your face?

Your fear of Johnny Damon can wait.

I didn't realize the Damon signing put the White Sox fans on the brink.Overreation, perhaps? After all, they are the champs.

Their rotation isn't Papelbon, Lester and Hansen, but they all have rings.

Neither did I ....I posted the article more to point out that the pitching is the question for the Yankees. They had a great offense, with/without Damon.

I was just pointing out how desperate it made the city of Chicago sound. Surprising.

 

[shadyridr]

A rotation of Johnson, Mussina, Wang, Chacon, Pavano/Wright/Small while not dominant is more than adequate for the regular season. But once again when the playoffs start unless Johnson returns to form (I doubt he will) it will be hard to win a short series.

 

[NCBoSoxFan]

The Bronx Bombers can have that Backstaber Damon, I hope that he will be happy never winning another WS. If you lok at the curse of A-Rod. Every team that he has played for A-rod not damon has not won a world series. So here the the pinstripped A**hole that wanted to stay in Boston my foot.

 

[shadyridr]

The Bronx Bombers can have that Backstaber Damon, I hope that he will be happy never winning another WS. If you lok at the curse of A-Rod. Every team that he has played for A-rod not damon has not won a world series. So here the the pinstripped A**hole that wanted to stay in Boston my foot.

Speak English much?

 

[bialczabub]

Beltran's numbers would also receive a small bump if he were to play in the AL.

Because Roger Clemens had so much more trouble with NL batters instead of AL batters. Because Pedro Martinez had such a rough tranisition to the NL. Because guys like Randy Johnson never see their ERAs raise significantly while going to the NL.

He's playing in a pretty good pitcher's park, I'll give you that.

But you've supplied a laundry list of excuses, many of which I'm not buying. It's batter vs. pitcher. I don't see how where in the lineup (except maybe leadoff) a guy bats can make a difference.

Look at Beltran's splits, he batted .304 in May and .290 in July, every other month he was average. He did finish the season vastly improving his OBP (.384 in August, .341 in September), but let's face it, he simply did not play at the level his contract would like to have him play at.

I don't hate the Mets, and I don't wish bad upon them, but at the same time I'm glad the Yankees didn't sign him to a 7 year deal. Furthermore, if he had that type of season for the Yankees in year 1 of a seven year deal, both Mets fans and Red Sox fans would be mocking Steinbrenner and Cashman for not knowing how to run a team.

 

[bialczabub]

If you lok at the curse of A-Rod.

Guess Boston fans need to cling to something now that they've dismantled their one team that won.

 

[RedRaiders]

The Bronx Bombers can have that Backstaber Damon, I hope that he will be happy never winning another WS. If you lok at the curse of A-Rod. Every team that he has played for A-rod not damon has not won a world series. So here the the pinstripped A**hole that wanted to stay in Boston my foot.

Speak English much?

 

[jerseyh8r]

But you've supplied a laundry list of excuses, many of which I'm not buying. It's batter vs. pitcher. I don't see how where in the lineup (except maybe leadoff) a guy bats can make a difference.

Look at Beltran's splits, he batted .304 in May and .290 in July, every other month he was average. He did finish the season vastly improving his OBP (.384 in August, .341 in September), but let's face it, he simply did not play at the level his contract would like to have him play at.

I don't hate the Mets, and I don't wish bad upon them, but at the same time I'm glad the Yankees didn't sign him to a 7 year deal. Furthermore, if he had that type of season for the Yankees in year 1 of a seven year deal, both Mets fans and Red Sox fans would be mocking Steinbrenner and Cashman for not knowing how to run a team.

I am not giving the guy excuses, and I am not a real Met fan. I just have a problem when guys are portrayed as being worse than they are simply b/c they don't live up to the money they make. A prime example of this was Allen Houston (again, not a fan) with the Knicks. Fans hold up these high-priced players to higher standards than they should. Making 100 million did not make Houston another Michael Jordan, and Beltran's contract will not make him Willie Mays. But over the next 6 years I do think he will be one of the top 5 CFs in the game. And where you bat in the line-up does make a difference....I agree that it shouldn't, but for many of these guys it does. Different situations breed different performances. As far as the Yanks being mocked if he had that type of season with them, I agree that the Mets and BoSox would be laughing their tails off....but I think it would be a mistake.

Only time will tell, but I don't think the book on Beltran has been written yet. Just MHO, certainly could be wrong. But I think that the Yanks will be wishing that they had a CF batting .290 with 15 HRs, 80 RBI, 30 2Bs, 30 SB and good D in the outfield in 2008....as of today, that doesn't seem as likely for them as it does for the Mets.

 

[NFL Sunday Ticket]

If you lok at the curse of A-Rod.

Guess Boston fans need to cling to something now that they've dismantled their one team that won.

i am not sure this guy is a red sox fan. he just kind of showed up recently. i think he is someone's alias trying to make sox fans look stupid. he is just trying too hard. no one can be that brain dead.

 

[bialczabub]

If you lok at the curse of A-Rod.

Guess Boston fans need to cling to something now that they've dismantled their one team that won.

i am not sure this guy is a red sox fan. he just kind of showed up recently. i think he is someone's alias trying to make sox fans look stupid. he is just trying too hard. no one can be that brain dead.

This is sound reasoning.

 

[David Yudkin]

The Red Sox, again showing the ability to avoid their weaknesses, are making a big push to acquire Troy Glaus from Arizona (and play him at 1B).They have also had discussions about signing SP Kevin Millwood.That's all well and good if those guys also play SS and CF.

 

[lastresort66]

The Red Sox, again showing the ability to avoid their weaknesses, are making a big push to acquire Troy Glaus from Arizona (and play him at 1B).

Yeah, because that's exactly what they need: another guy who can play 1B.

They have also had discussions about signing SP Kevin Millwood.

Not pictured: Scott Boras having an orgasm.

 

[roadeyes]

The Red Sox, again showing the ability to avoid their weaknesses, are making a big push to acquire Troy Glaus from Arizona (and play him at 1B).

They have also had discussions about signing SP Kevin Millwood.

That's all well and good if those guys also play SS and CF.

Well, there are a lot of pieces that will probably have to moved to assemble a decent lineup at this point. Acquiring a Glaus may free up another 1B option (Youk?) to package for a SS or CF. It wouldn't surprise me at all to see several trades that all play a small part in getting the Sox to a point where they have enough ammunition to acquire Tori Hunter, Coco Crisp, Julio Lugo, etc.

 

[Mr.Happy]

Breaking news!

Phoenix radio has it asClement + Graffanino + prospectfor Glaus

If the prospect is Shoppach or Manny Delcarmen, then this deal must be made. Glaus would then slot in at 1st base to provide another big righty bat that we have been looking for. This move would then set off other moves as well.It would make Youkalis expendable and Youks and Wells or Youks and Arroyo could be packaged together for a CF. We could then sign Millwood with the Damon money and be locked up and ready to go.The starting rotation could beSchillingBeckettMillwoodWakefieldArroyoPalpebonDinardoWith a possible lineup beingLorettaNixonMannyOrtizGlausVaritekLowellCFerPedroiaNot bad at all.

 

[Mr.Happy]

The Red Sox, again showing the ability to avoid their weaknesses, are making a big push to acquire Troy Glaus from Arizona (and play him at 1B).

They have also had discussions about signing SP Kevin Millwood.

That's all well and good if those guys also play SS and CF.

Well, there are a lot of pieces that will probably have to moved to assemble a decent lineup at this point. Acquiring a Glaus may free up another 1B option (Youk?) to package for a SS or CF. It wouldn't surprise me at all to see several trades that all play a small part in getting the Sox to a point where they have enough ammunition to acquire Tori Hunter, Coco Crisp, Julio Lugo, etc.

The search begins and ends with Crisp. Here are some numbers to chew on.

One interesting thing to consider. In 2005, his home/road split was pretty huge.

home: .275 / .319 / .409 = .728

away: .323 / .370 / .518 = .888

That wasn't there in 2004 but he's still improving as a player. He really improved his power from 04 to 05, going from 41 to 62 XBH. So maybe that is significant, maybe not.

The guy is a pretty good defensive CF, he is 26, AND HAD A .900 ROAD OPS! If there is any guy you go after, you go after Crisp. Soon the league will catch up and realize just how good a player he is.

 

[Capella]

Crisp is a good player. I'm sure the Tribe knows that too...I imagine it would take Marte to shake him loose. Sox sure are active, but I'm not sure I really like anything they've done. Glaus is a nice player, but depending on the prospect, not sure it's really a good deal for them.

 

[Michael Brown]

Rondell White to the Twins.Mark Bellhorn to the Padres.

 

[roadeyes]

Crisp is a good player. I'm sure the Tribe knows that too...I imagine it would take Marte to shake him loose.

I like Crisp better than any of the other possible options, but he would cost the Sox a ton. I'm sure I'd choke if I heard some names that Cleveland would need. That, and I don't think Cleveland has a ton of OF depth, so they'd likely want an OF in return. I'd rather the Sox go after Gathright as a less expensive option and see if he can play.

 

[lastresort66]

Bill James isn't gonna like this trade for Glaus. Low BA's and piles of home runs do not a Bill James prospect make.Glaus is an above average player, mainly in his part to "swing bat hard, hit ball far" approach to hitting. But take away his caveman-like powers, and he's another .258 hitter who can walk occasionally, but strike out a ton. And that .258 BA is a microcosm of his career, where his best year of hitting only featured a .284 BA (2000). In fact, his .258 BA last year was HIS SECOND HIGHEST OF HIS CAREER, people! Glaus is either gonna look horrible next to the higher BA's of Ortiz and Manny, or he'll dominate the Green Monster and hit approx 45 HR's. Either way, his BA is still gonna suck, he's gonna strike out a lot, and he will be hidden away at 1B. In the end, he's not gonna contribute much except HR's and the occasional walk. It's a crying shame that ya'll are willing to pay around 9 mil for a guy who's only "tool" is to hit the ball a long way instead of giving Kevin Youklis a chance to put up similar production (minus the HRs, but plus the BA and OBP).

 

[David Yudkin]

The Indians (at least for now) have said they will keep Crisp. His salary was like $365K, so they wanted to hold on to him since he was so cheap.Glaus may not have a high average, but he has a lifetime .358 OBP and .501 SLG. If he hits 45 dingers he'll have 110+ RBI in the Red Sox lineup.He wouldn't be my first choice, but he's do just fine offensively. What I don't get is why we've heard so little about Frank Thomas. Is anyone trying to sign him? He's old, but he might be cheap.

 

[Mr.Happy]

The Indians (at least for now) have said they will keep Crisp. His salary was like $365K, so they wanted to hold on to him since he was so cheap.

Glaus may not have a high average, but he has a lifetime .358 OBP and .501 SLG. If he hits 45 dingers he'll have 110+ RBI in the Red Sox lineup.

He wouldn't be my first choice, but he's do just fine offensively.

What I don't get is why we've heard so little about Frank Thomas. Is anyone trying to sign him? He's old, but he might be cheap.

I think he either went to the As, or retired.

 

[lastresort66]

The Indians (at least for now) have said they will keep Crisp. His salary was like $365K, so they wanted to hold on to him since he was so cheap.

Glaus may not have a high average, but he has a lifetime .358 OBP and .501 SLG. If he hits 45 dingers he'll have 110+ RBI in the Red Sox lineup.

He wouldn't be my first choice, but he's do just fine offensively.

What I don't get is why we've heard so little about Frank Thomas. Is anyone trying to sign him? He's old, but he might be cheap.

I think he either went to the As, or retired.

Seems like the perfect Beane signing: Old, aging former superstar willing to sign for maybe a below market rate.

 

[lastresort66]

Glaus may not have a high average, but he has a lifetime .358 OBP and .501 SLG. If he hits 45 dingers he'll have 110+ RBI in the Red Sox lineup.

He wouldn't be my first choice, but he's do just fine offensively.

That's the key here. IF he hits 45 homers, IF he stays healthy, IF he posts a .260 BA, he MAY be a decent acquisition.Look, my problem isn't so much Glaus. What is it about Kevin Youklis that you chowderheads don't like? Because he doesn't hit a ton of HR's? Since when did just having a high BA and OBP be considered "passe"? And if you got Troy Glaus, you will have stockpiled the following who can play 1B and/or 3B so far:

Kevin Millar

David Ortiz

Troy Glaus

Andy Marte

Kevin Youklis

Mike Lowell

#of players in that list that can play CF and SS: ZERO

Just two World Series ago, you were on top of the world. Now, you guys have no effin clue.

 

[Mr.Happy]

LMAO. Way to repeat ESPN.Here is what happened. The team had a game plan going into the 05 off-season, then Theo decided the 18 hour days were too much and split. Then the Beckett deal landed in their laps and the whole team did a 180. The plan was to get rid of Edgar and line it up for Hanley, but when a deal like the Beckett deal shows up, you take it.The no SS isn't a big deal. If you can put the offsense lost at another position, then it really isn't a problem. Hell, the last 5 WS winners had very average to below average SS play on offense. The Sox can live there. CF is also an offensively deficient position. The Sox might have to step back here for now, but the Sox have lots of pitching, and extra guys at the corners so I am sure some deal will be swung by the end of spring training.And with all this money freed up, I am sure the Sox will put it into Millwood, and make the other teams bid against each other for Clement, Arroyo, and Wells.Still much off-season to go.

 

[Pat Patriot]

Glaus may not have a high average, but he has a lifetime .358 OBP and .501 SLG.  If he hits 45 dingers he'll have 110+ RBI in the Red Sox lineup.

He wouldn't be my first choice, but he's do just fine offensively. 

That's the key here. IF he hits 45 homers, IF he stays healthy, IF he posts a .260 BA, he MAY be a decent acquisition.Look, my problem isn't so much Glaus. What is it about Kevin Youklis that you chowderheads don't like? Because he doesn't hit a ton of HR's? Since when did just having a high BA and OBP be considered "passe"? And if you got Troy Glaus, you will have stockpiled the following who can play 1B and/or 3B so far:

Kevin Millar

David Ortiz

Troy Glaus

Andy Marte

Kevin Youklis

Mike Lowell

#of players in that list that can play CF and SS: ZERO

Just two World Series ago, you were on top of the world. Now, you guys have no effin clue.

Thankfully Kevin Millar has been removed from the Red Sox roster. Lets see if anyone else gives him a job.

 

[bialczabub]

Glaus? Is it 2000 again?

 

[ThisGuy]

These idiots really need to get a life.

No, really. Jedi vs Sith, signing with the Devil, all of the "never really liked him anyway."

I'm officially on the record as liking this move because it hurts the Boston Red Sox. But I really had no idea that it has hurt the entire Red Sox Nation like this.

 

[bialczabub]

These idiots really need to get a life.

No, really. Jedi vs Sith, signing with the Devil, all of the "never really liked him anyway."

I'm officially on the record as liking this move because it hurts the Boston Red Sox. But I really had no idea that it has hurt the entire Red Sox Nation like this.

The funny thing about those comments is that they blatantly disregard that the Red Sox's money took Damon away from the A's, who got him in a trade from KC who wouldn't have been able to keep him anyways.LOL at Johnny Damon being the first time someone's realized that money makes a big difference in baseball.

The self-importance of those fans is also ridiculous.

 

[doctor Gunks]

The Bronx Bombers can have that Backstaber Damon, I hope that he will be happy never winning another WS. If you lok at the curse of A-Rod. Every team that he has played for A-rod not damon has not won a world series. So here the the pinstripped A**hole that wanted to stay in Boston my foot.

How many World Series champs did Ted Williams play for?

 

[Billy Bats]

These idiots really need to get a life.

No, really. Jedi vs Sith, signing with the Devil, all of the "never really liked him anyway."

I'm officially on the record as liking this move because it hurts the Boston Red Sox. But I really had no idea that it has hurt the entire Red Sox Nation like this.

Ok so Tiki wins you Super Bowl Xl with a 70 yd td with time running out. He becomes an even bigger hero of yours and you paper your walls with Tiki posters. He can do no wrong, he owns NY and becomes a NY Giant icon. Then one season later, he signs with the Cowboys (or Philly or Wash). How are you feeling?