***Official 2012 Hot Stove Thread (1 Viewer)

[Giantseasonticketholder]

Great article by Bill James on Grantland about Dwight Evans' HOF credentials.

link

I don't think I agree with his premise but it's always good to read James' meandering prose.

exactly. I can see Evans getting his # retired by the Sox, but if Dale Murphy can't get in the HOF...

 

[Michael Brown]

Great article by Bill James on Grantland about Dwight Evans' HOF credentials.

link

I don't think I agree with his premise but it's always good to read James' meandering prose.

exactly. I can see Evans getting his # retired by the Sox, but if Dale Murphy can't get in the HOF...

Thought the Sox policy was that you had to be a HOFer to get your number retired. They could have changed it, or I could be wrong

 

[Wrigley]

How about:V. Wells + 15millfor A. J. Burnett.Who says no?

Does it free up a spot for Trout?

 

[Annyong]

How about:V. Wells + 15millfor A. J. Burnett.Who says no?

Does it free up a spot for Trout?

probably

 

[dparker713]

How about:

V. Wells + 15mill

for

A. J. Burnett.

Who says no?

Yanks cant afford don't want that contract. Angels dont need more pitching.

Fixed.

 

[Eephus]

How about:

V. Wells + 15mill

for

A. J. Burnett.

Who says no?

Yanks cant afford don't want that contract. Angels dont need more pitching.

Fixed.

The Yankees already have Andruw Jones who is a similar player to Wells at this stage of their careers--aging, right-handed bat, low OBP hitter with some power, can play three OF positions in a pinch.The Yankees need a left-handed bat.

 

[Captain Hook]

The Yankees already have Andruw Jones who is a similar player to Wells at this stage of their careers--aging, right-handed bat, low OBP hitter with some power, can play three OF positions in a pinch.The Yankees need a left-handed bat.

very I can't see why they haven't already signed Hideki Matsui - he seems to fit their need more than Ibanez or Damon (unless maybe he wouldn't share his porn collection with NYY officials last time he was in town)

 

[dparker713]

How about:

V. Wells + 15mill

for

A. J. Burnett.

Who says no?

Yanks cant afford don't want that contract. Angels dont need more pitching.

Fixed.

The Yankees already have Andruw Jones who is a similar player to Wells at this stage of their careers--aging, right-handed bat, low OBP hitter with some power, can play three OF positions in a pinch.The Yankees need a left-handed bat.

Not saying they'd want him anyway, just that the Yankees' budget is mostly a fabrication. They've had little increase in their payroll over the past decade despite huge increases in both the YES network and ballpark revenues. Not to mention all the tax free bonds they got to build that mausoleum.

 

[Daywalker]

How about:

V. Wells + 15mill

for

A. J. Burnett.

Who says no?

Yanks cant afford don't want that contract. Angels dont need more pitching.

Fixed.

Whats a worse contract for the yanks Burnett for 2/33mill or Wells at 3/48? Wells had an off-year last year but I'd rather have him then someline like Damon, Matsui or Ibanez. Might be better then paying Burnett to pitch somewhere else.

 

[dparker713]

How about:

V. Wells + 15mill

for

A. J. Burnett.

Who says no?

Yanks cant afford don't want that contract. Angels dont need more pitching.

Fixed.

Whats a worse contract for the yanks Burnett for 2/33mill or Wells at 3/48? Wells had an off-year last year but I'd rather have him then someline like Damon, Matsui or Ibanez. Might be better then paying Burnett to pitch somewhere else.

Wella had a sub .300 obp last season. I'd take AJ for this year and AJ for next year too over someone like Wells.

 

[dparker713]

Not saying they'd want him anyway, just that the Yankees' budget is mostly a fabrication. They've had little increase in their payroll over the past decade despite huge increases in both the YES network and ballpark revenues. Not to mention all the tax free bonds they got to build that mausoleum.

They did bury George there, right?

Didn't have room, the plaque was too big.

 

[shadyridr]

How about:

V. Wells + 15mill

for

A. J. Burnett.

Who says no?

Yanks cant afford don't want that contract. Angels dont need more pitching.

Fixed.

Whats a worse contract for the yanks Burnett for 2/33mill or Wells at 3/48? Wells had an off-year last year but I'd rather have him then someline like Damon, Matsui or Ibanez. Might be better then paying Burnett to pitch somewhere else.

aj sucks, but id still rather have him than wells

 

[Wrigley]

Don't know where else to post this, so here it goesBuddy of mine is interviewing with the Dodgers as I type this.He played in the White Sox farm system, until he blew his arm out several years ago.....now he's interviewing to be the BP coach for the Dodgers.The past 5 years or so he's been coaching a couple different teams, including a small college and an independent pro teamOut of the blue(he doesn't know how they got his name) he gets a call from the Dodgers. They've flown him out, put him up in a suite, and introduced him to the brass.I'm wishing him all the luck in the world......he just might get his dream of making it to the Bigs.

That is huge. The bigs would be amazing but you got to think at the very least a minor-league gig somwehere is attainable if that falls through. Lot of reasons to be happy.

Was supposed to get an answer today, but was told they would like for him to come to spring training to further analyze his abilities. I guess when you throw BP they also want you to catch some of the time too. They also told him if he doesn't end up with the BP job, they would really like to keep him in the organization in some capacity.So, everything is still up in the air. Will keep you all posted.

Sweet sounds like he's in, in some capacity. Someone must think highly of him, has he found out how they got his name and number?

Leaves next week for Spring Training with the big club. Was told to pack enough to make it to April when the club moves onto LA.Short story: He was pitching to Matt Kemp, and later was hugged by him, and then introduced to Kemps girlfriend Rhiana. Buddy said she is smoking hot but has a surprising large ###.Don't know why they would mention heading to LA if they didn't plan on hiring him.

 

[Annyong]

Don't know where else to post this, so here it goesBuddy of mine is interviewing with the Dodgers as I type this.He played in the White Sox farm system, until he blew his arm out several years ago.....now he's interviewing to be the BP coach for the Dodgers.The past 5 years or so he's been coaching a couple different teams, including a small college and an independent pro teamOut of the blue(he doesn't know how they got his name) he gets a call from the Dodgers. They've flown him out, put him up in a suite, and introduced him to the brass.I'm wishing him all the luck in the world......he just might get his dream of making it to the Bigs.

That is huge. The bigs would be amazing but you got to think at the very least a minor-league gig somwehere is attainable if that falls through. Lot of reasons to be happy.

Was supposed to get an answer today, but was told they would like for him to come to spring training to further analyze his abilities. I guess when you throw BP they also want you to catch some of the time too. They also told him if he doesn't end up with the BP job, they would really like to keep him in the organization in some capacity.So, everything is still up in the air. Will keep you all posted.

Sweet sounds like he's in, in some capacity. Someone must think highly of him, has he found out how they got his name and number?

Leaves next week for Spring Training with the big club. Was told to pack enough to make it to April when the club moves onto LA.Short story: He was pitching to Matt Kemp, and later was hugged by him, and then introduced to Kemps girlfriend Rhiana. Buddy said she is smoking hot but has a surprising large ###.Don't know why they would mention heading to LA if they didn't plan on hiring him.

Matt Kemp isn't dating Rhianna.

 

[Eephus]

Great article by Bill James on Grantland about Dwight Evans' HOF credentials.

link

I don't think I agree with his premise but it's always good to read James' meandering prose.

exactly. I can see Evans getting his # retired by the Sox, but if Dale Murphy can't get in the HOF...

Thought the Sox policy was that you had to be a HOFer to get your number retired. They could have changed it, or I could be wrong

HoF or 10 years with the Sox. They retired Pesky's # and he's definitely not a HoFer.

Odd article in that it was totally devoid of newsiness. The HoF selections were just made and Dewey hasn't been on the ballot for years. Dave Parker was one of the Evans comps in the article. He just fell off the ballot but never even reached 25% in balloting. It was like reading something from the director's cut of the 1989 Baseball Abstract.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

Don't know where else to post this, so here it goesBuddy of mine is interviewing with the Dodgers as I type this.He played in the White Sox farm system, until he blew his arm out several years ago.....now he's interviewing to be the BP coach for the Dodgers.The past 5 years or so he's been coaching a couple different teams, including a small college and an independent pro teamOut of the blue(he doesn't know how they got his name) he gets a call from the Dodgers. They've flown him out, put him up in a suite, and introduced him to the brass.I'm wishing him all the luck in the world......he just might get his dream of making it to the Bigs.

That is huge. The bigs would be amazing but you got to think at the very least a minor-league gig somwehere is attainable if that falls through. Lot of reasons to be happy.

Was supposed to get an answer today, but was told they would like for him to come to spring training to further analyze his abilities. I guess when you throw BP they also want you to catch some of the time too. They also told him if he doesn't end up with the BP job, they would really like to keep him in the organization in some capacity.So, everything is still up in the air. Will keep you all posted.

Sweet sounds like he's in, in some capacity. Someone must think highly of him, has he found out how they got his name and number?

Leaves next week for Spring Training with the big club. Was told to pack enough to make it to April when the club moves onto LA.Short story: He was pitching to Matt Kemp, and later was hugged by him, and then introduced to Kemps girlfriend Rhiana. Buddy said she is smoking hot but has a surprising large ###.Don't know why they would mention heading to LA if they didn't plan on hiring him.

Matt Kemp isn't dating Rhianna.

They split awhile back and it was alleged that was part of the reason Kemp went into his slump two years back. Who is fishing here - Wrigley or his friend?

 

[Wrigley]

Don't know where else to post this, so here it goesBuddy of mine is interviewing with the Dodgers as I type this.He played in the White Sox farm system, until he blew his arm out several years ago.....now he's interviewing to be the BP coach for the Dodgers.The past 5 years or so he's been coaching a couple different teams, including a small college and an independent pro teamOut of the blue(he doesn't know how they got his name) he gets a call from the Dodgers. They've flown him out, put him up in a suite, and introduced him to the brass.I'm wishing him all the luck in the world......he just might get his dream of making it to the Bigs.

That is huge. The bigs would be amazing but you got to think at the very least a minor-league gig somwehere is attainable if that falls through. Lot of reasons to be happy.

Was supposed to get an answer today, but was told they would like for him to come to spring training to further analyze his abilities. I guess when you throw BP they also want you to catch some of the time too. They also told him if he doesn't end up with the BP job, they would really like to keep him in the organization in some capacity.So, everything is still up in the air. Will keep you all posted.

Sweet sounds like he's in, in some capacity. Someone must think highly of him, has he found out how they got his name and number?

Leaves next week for Spring Training with the big club. Was told to pack enough to make it to April when the club moves onto LA.Short story: He was pitching to Matt Kemp, and later was hugged by him, and then introduced to Kemps girlfriend Rhiana. Buddy said she is smoking hot but has a surprising large ###.Don't know why they would mention heading to LA if they didn't plan on hiring him.

Matt Kemp isn't dating Rhianna.

They split awhile back and it was alleged that was part of the reason Kemp went into his slump two years back. Who is fishing here - Wrigley or his friend?

I was getting the story from his wife, so who knows.....maybe they were only talking about her.She made it sound like she was standing right next to him.Kemp did say she was very high maintenance though(I'd had a couple drinks at the time too)

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Don't know where else to post this, so here it goes

Buddy of mine is interviewing with the Dodgers as I type this.

He played in the White Sox farm system, until he blew his arm out several years ago.....now he's interviewing to be the BP coach for the Dodgers.

The past 5 years or so he's been coaching a couple different teams, including a small college and an independent pro team

Out of the blue(he doesn't know how they got his name) he gets a call from the Dodgers. They've flown him out, put him up in a suite, and introduced him to the brass.

I'm wishing him all the luck in the world......he just might get his dream of making it to the Bigs.

That is huge. The bigs would be amazing but you got to think at the very least a minor-league gig somwehere is attainable if that falls through. Lot of reasons to be happy.

Was supposed to get an answer today, but was told they would like for him to come to spring training to further analyze his abilities. I guess when you throw BP they also want you to catch some of the time too.

They also told him if he doesn't end up with the BP job, they would really like to keep him in the organization in some capacity.

So, everything is still up in the air.

Will keep you all posted.

Sweet sounds like he's in, in some capacity. Someone must think highly of him, has he found out how they got his name and number?

Leaves next week for Spring Training with the big club. Was told to pack enough to make it to April when the club moves onto LA.Short story: He was pitching to Matt Kemp, and later was hugged by him, and then introduced to Kemps girlfriend Rhiana. Buddy said she is smoking hot but has a surprising large ###.

Don't know why they would mention heading to LA if they didn't plan on hiring him.

You're not doing it right

 

[Eephus]

Maybe it was some other Rihanna

 

[Captain Hook]

Maybe it was from 2010 when they were together - he ditched her last year and look what happened.....

 

[Don Quixote]

Cespedes to the A's.

 

[Brady Marino]

Cespedes to the A's.

Does Billy Beane know what he's doing anymore?

 

[Limp Ditka]

Cespedes to the A's.

Does Billy Beane know what he's doing anymore?

He's got a 7 year leash.

 

[RnR]

At 4yr/36mil, he's pretty much gotta start as a regular with the big club, yes?

 

[guru_007]

At 4yr/36mil, he's pretty much gotta start as a regular with the big club, yes?

He's allegedly 26 years old and hit 33 homers in 90 games last year.Not sure why he wouldn't break in the majors.

 

[Captain Hook]

Cespedes to the A's.

Does Billy Beane know what he's doing anymore?

Really? You are going to question the guy?IF Cespedes is half as good as many clubs think then this is a nice signing for the Athletics....they won't do well this year but look at all the young pitching they have added and now you could have an outfield next year of Cespedes and Choice and either Crisp (if still there) or Reddick or.......Jemile Weeks will hit leadoff, close to .300 and 35+ stolen bases........need to find solution at 1B where they have failed miserably lately but have some options who could emerge.....maybe 2013 but 2014 and 2015 if they are in new stadium, things will definitely be looking up for As fans

 

[Captain Hook]

At 4yr/36mil, he's pretty much gotta start as a regular with the big club, yes?

Actually I doubt it - guy needs to get the rust off; adjust to life in the states; learn the As system and get comfortable.....they can bring him up when they think he is ready....or when they trade Crisp (if the market goes up)

 

[Eephus]

Cespedes to the A's.

Does Billy Beane know what he's doing anymore?

Lew Wolff is angling for a mixed use stadium-residential development project in downtown Havana if the San Jose deal falls through

 

[Brady Marino]

Cespedes to the A's.

Does Billy Beane know what he's doing anymore?

Lew Wolff is angling for a mixed use stadium-residential development project in downtown Havana if the San Jose deal falls through

 

[dparker713]

At 4yr/36mil, he's pretty much gotta start as a regular with the big club, yes?

He's allegedly 26 years old and hit 33 homers in 90 games last year.Not sure why he wouldn't break in the majors.

Cause those 90 games were hardly in an advanced league. Just cause someone crushes A ball doesn't mean they're ready for the majors.

 

[guru_007]

At 4yr/36mil, he's pretty much gotta start as a regular with the big club, yes?

He's allegedly 26 years old and hit 33 homers in 90 games last year.Not sure why he wouldn't break in the majors.

Cause those 90 games were hardly in an advanced league. Just cause someone crushes A ball doesn't mean they're ready for the majors.

at this age it means piss or get off the potwe're not talking about 20 year old Bryce Harper here. I can't imagine a frugal team such as the A's signing this guy and letting him spend a season in the minors at $9mil/year. Maybe I'm wrong, but looking over the A's depth chart at of, I like my chances of being right.

 

[RnR]

At 4yr/36mil, he's pretty much gotta start as a regular with the big club, yes?

He's allegedly 26 years old and hit 33 homers in 90 games last year.Not sure why he wouldn't break in the majors.

Cause those 90 games were hardly in an advanced league. Just cause someone crushes A ball doesn't mean they're ready for the majors.

at this age it means piss or get off the potwe're not talking about 20 year old Bryce Harper here. I can't imagine a frugal team such as the A's signing this guy and letting him spend a season in the minors at $9mil/year. Maybe I'm wrong, but looking over the A's depth chart at of, I like my chances of being right.

Your reasoning to why he should play with Oakland and dparker's reasoning for why he isn't ready to play in the bigs is why I posed the question. The contract and team he signed with says: Playing right away. The scouts say: He needs time in the minors.

 

[cheese]

At 4yr/36mil, he's pretty much gotta start as a regular with the big club, yes?

He's allegedly 26 years old and hit 33 homers in 90 games last year.Not sure why he wouldn't break in the majors.

Cause those 90 games were hardly in an advanced league. Just cause someone crushes A ball doesn't mean they're ready for the majors.

at this age it means piss or get off the potwe're not talking about 20 year old Bryce Harper here. I can't imagine a frugal team such as the A's signing this guy and letting him spend a season in the minors at $9mil/year. Maybe I'm wrong, but looking over the A's depth chart at of, I like my chances of being right.

Your reasoning to why he should play with Oakland and dparker's reasoning for why he isn't ready to play in the bigs is why I posed the question. The contract and team he signed with says: Playing right away. The scouts say: He needs time in the minors.

Hollywood told me the A's don't listen to scouts so I'll side with Guru here.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

Cespedes to the A's.

Does Billy Beane know what he's doing anymore?

Love this gamble.

 

[dparker713]

At 4yr/36mil, he's pretty much gotta start as a regular with the big club, yes?

He's allegedly 26 years old and hit 33 homers in 90 games last year.Not sure why he wouldn't break in the majors.

Cause those 90 games were hardly in an advanced league. Just cause someone crushes A ball doesn't mean they're ready for the majors.

at this age it means piss or get off the potwe're not talking about 20 year old Bryce Harper here. I can't imagine a frugal team such as the A's signing this guy and letting him spend a season in the minors at $9mil/year. Maybe I'm wrong, but looking over the A's depth chart at of, I like my chances of being right.

I don't doubt he'll get accelerated through the minors quickly because of his age and contract. But its not like the A's are in win now mode. They just stripped their big club this offseason yet again. So why wouldn't they let Cespedes get his feet wet in the minors? Why risk their investment in him for 2013-2015? Sure, their big club sucks, but its going to suck with or without him. This deal just wasn't about 2012.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

At 4yr/36mil, he's pretty much gotta start as a regular with the big club, yes?

He's allegedly 26 years old and hit 33 homers in 90 games last year.Not sure why he wouldn't break in the majors.

Cause those 90 games were hardly in an advanced league. Just cause someone crushes A ball doesn't mean they're ready for the majors.

at this age it means piss or get off the potwe're not talking about 20 year old Bryce Harper here. I can't imagine a frugal team such as the A's signing this guy and letting him spend a season in the minors at $9mil/year. Maybe I'm wrong, but looking over the A's depth chart at of, I like my chances of being right.

The A's aren't quite as frugal as you think. They've tried spending cash the past couple years but the bats simply don't want to play in Oakland. If Cespedes can provide some power he's exactly what Oakland has been trying to land. He doesn't cost any minor leaguers. Might it backfire? Of course. But if Cespedes doesn't bomb this is a fine deal for Beane and company.

 

[guru_007]

At 4yr/36mil, he's pretty much gotta start as a regular with the big club, yes?

He's allegedly 26 years old and hit 33 homers in 90 games last year.Not sure why he wouldn't break in the majors.

Cause those 90 games were hardly in an advanced league. Just cause someone crushes A ball doesn't mean they're ready for the majors.

at this age it means piss or get off the potwe're not talking about 20 year old Bryce Harper here. I can't imagine a frugal team such as the A's signing this guy and letting him spend a season in the minors at $9mil/year. Maybe I'm wrong, but looking over the A's depth chart at of, I like my chances of being right.

I don't doubt he'll get accelerated through the minors quickly because of his age and contract. But its not like the A's are in win now mode. They just stripped their big club this offseason yet again. So why wouldn't they let Cespedes get his feet wet in the minors? Why risk their investment in him for 2013-2015? Sure, their big club sucks, but its going to suck with or without him. This deal just wasn't about 2012.

I understand, but look what they have at the major league level right now in the outfield. Again, this guy isn't a 19-20 year old kid coming from Cuba, he's played against the highest competition available to him. He played in the baseball world classic. I'm not totally familiar with Cuba's leagues, but a lot of South American leagues run winter leagues too, so it's possible he's played year round. I don't see all that much "rust" on him.I can only go by my assumptions here, but assuming he doesn't get overwhelmed in spring training, I say he breaks with the A's Not just the money issue. Who else is a power bat in the outfield? If he shows next to nothing in s.t., sure it's possible he takes a brief respite in the minors, but I just don't see going out to sign a guy of this stature without giving him a full opportunity to show he can play at the major league level. Not that many prospects are really hanging around double or triple a at 27 years old getting paid $9 mil/year.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

Cespedes to the A's.

Does Billy Beane know what he's doing anymore?

Lew Wolff is angling for a mixed use stadium-residential development project in downtown Havana if the San Jose deal falls through

My link

 

[dparker713]

At 4yr/36mil, he's pretty much gotta start as a regular with the big club, yes?

He's allegedly 26 years old and hit 33 homers in 90 games last year.Not sure why he wouldn't break in the majors.

Cause those 90 games were hardly in an advanced league. Just cause someone crushes A ball doesn't mean they're ready for the majors.

at this age it means piss or get off the potwe're not talking about 20 year old Bryce Harper here. I can't imagine a frugal team such as the A's signing this guy and letting him spend a season in the minors at $9mil/year. Maybe I'm wrong, but looking over the A's depth chart at of, I like my chances of being right.

I don't doubt he'll get accelerated through the minors quickly because of his age and contract. But its not like the A's are in win now mode. They just stripped their big club this offseason yet again. So why wouldn't they let Cespedes get his feet wet in the minors? Why risk their investment in him for 2013-2015? Sure, their big club sucks, but its going to suck with or without him. This deal just wasn't about 2012.

I understand, but look what they have at the major league level right now in the outfield. Again, this guy isn't a 19-20 year old kid coming from Cuba, he's played against the highest competition available to him. He played in the baseball world classic. I'm not totally familiar with Cuba's leagues, but a lot of South American leagues run winter leagues too, so it's possible he's played year round. I don't see all that much "rust" on him.I can only go by my assumptions here, but assuming he doesn't get overwhelmed in spring training, I say he breaks with the A's Not just the money issue. Who else is a power bat in the outfield? If he shows next to nothing in s.t., sure it's possible he takes a brief respite in the minors, but I just don't see going out to sign a guy of this stature without giving him a full opportunity to show he can play at the major league level. Not that many prospects are really hanging around double or triple a at 27 years old getting paid $9 mil/year.

Cuban players aren't free to play in winter ball and he just showed plenty of rust post-defection his first time playing winter ball. And again, why do the A's care about their OF this year? Its a rebuilding year. If he's ready for the majors out of ST, he'll play. But they're not going to rush him to the majors this season because the Oakland club needs help.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

Cespedes has to be considered a starter unless he melts down in ST and Taylor or someone else really catches fire.

Oakland is also strongly considering offering a contract to Manny for the DH.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

Cespedes has to be considered a starter unless he melts down in ST and Taylor or someone else really catches fire.

Oakland is also strongly considering offering a contract to Manny for the DH.

Wont Manny be coming back to a 100 game suspension or something?

 

[RnR]

Cespedes has to be considered a starter unless he melts down in ST and Taylor or someone else really catches fire.

Oakland is also strongly considering offering a contract to Manny for the DH.

Wont Manny be coming back to a 100 game suspension or something?

Shortened to 50.

 

[Balco]

The A's desperately need a power bat, but I don't see anything wrong with the A's offseason. Beane sold high on Trevor Cahill and got a fantastic pitching prospect in return (Parker).

 

[Eephus]

The A's desperately need a power bat, but I don't see anything wrong with the A's offseason. Beane sold high on Trevor Cahill and got a fantastic pitching prospect in return (Parker).

Viewed in total, it's not as bad as it looked along the way. The Cahill and Gonzalez deals brought near-term potential in return. The most curious moves IMO were trading two decent pitchers for a platoon bat like Seth Smith (although Beane may have sold high on both), and the still inexplicable signing of Bartolo Colon.

 

[RnR]

still inexplicable signing of Bartolo Colon.

Someone had to fill the MLB innings this year...

 

[Eephus]

still inexplicable signing of Bartolo Colon.

Someone had to fill the MLB innings this year...

really doubt the A's will get 164 IP out of him this year.

 

[guru_007]

The A's desperately need a power bat, but I don't see anything wrong with the A's offseason. Beane sold high on Trevor Cahill and got a fantastic pitching prospect in return (Parker).

sometimes when it looks too good to be true, it may be....I'm pretty high on Parker (drafted him in a dynasty league about 3-4 years back), but he is coming off tj surgery, and that's something you don't really want to see with a young pitcher, imho. Sometimes it works out just fine, and that may b the case with Parker - dude does have some heat. But I mean, Cahill is not exactly an over the hill veteran. He's the same age as Parker and with already nearly 100 career mlb starts.A's signing Crisp is the only questionable move, imo. But, not sure this team got noticeably better to compete with the Angels and Rangers any time soon.

 

[Annyong]

Chicago Cubs Expected to Agree to Terms with Jorge Soler

The Chicago Tribune is reporting that the deal in place is for three or four years, and it is valued at $27.5 million. He is expected to be ready for Spring Training, but doesn't look to be ready for the majors just yet.

 

[shadyridr]

According to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com, the Angels have interest in A.J. Burnett.

The major issue is that the Angels are on Burnett's no-trade list and he would prefer to stay on the East Coast. Of course, there's a chance the Yankees would be reluctant to do the deal at all since it could come back to bite them in a potential playoff scenario. Rosenthal writes that the Pirates remain the heavy favorites to land Burnett, but the two sides are still negotiating over players and mone

Wow good call Daywalker

 

[dparker713]

The A's desperately need a power bat, but I don't see anything wrong with the A's offseason. Beane sold high on Trevor Cahill and got a fantastic pitching prospect in return (Parker).

sometimes when it looks too good to be true, it may be....I'm pretty high on Parker (drafted him in a dynasty league about 3-4 years back), but he is coming off tj surgery, and that's something you don't really want to see with a young pitcher, imho. Sometimes it works out just fine, and that may b the case with Parker - dude does have some heat. But I mean, Cahill is not exactly an over the hill veteran. He's the same age as Parker and with already nearly 100 career mlb starts.A's signing Crisp is the only questionable move, imo. But, not sure this team got noticeably better to compete with the Angels and Rangers any time soon.

TJ has a 90% success rate or so at this point and Parker appears fully recovered. Second TJs do occur, but are fairly rare. Its not like we're talking a shoulder here.