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

[Dr. Awesome]

WTF are the Twins thinking here?

Twins signed SS Jamey Carroll to a two-year, $6.75 million contract.The signing was made official when he passed a physical Tuesday in Minneapolis. Carroll, who turns 38 in February, is expected to take over as the Twins' starting shortstop next season. He has batted .290 with a .368 on-base percentage over the past two years with Los Angeles and is a solid defender, so the Twins are hoping he'll be able to provide some short-term stability to an uncertain middle infield situation.

What's the problem? It's not like there are dozens of middle infielders on the free agent market. He's relatively cheap and plays decent defense. If he hits that's a bonus.

 

[shake zula]

Marlins offer to Pujols believed to be for 9 years.

 

[Oh Yes!]

cubs have had multiple meeting with buerhle. dont see the point.

 

[Tackling Dummies]

Marlins offer to Pujols believed to be for 9 years.

7 max, 6 is better at a higher AAV.

 

[shadyridr]

WTF are the Twins thinking here?

Twins signed SS Jamey Carroll to a two-year, $6.75 million contract.The signing was made official when he passed a physical Tuesday in Minneapolis. Carroll, who turns 38 in February, is expected to take over as the Twins' starting shortstop next season. He has batted .290 with a .368 on-base percentage over the past two years with Los Angeles and is a solid defender, so the Twins are hoping he'll be able to provide some short-term stability to an uncertain middle infield situation.

What's the problem? It's not like there are dozens of middle infielders on the free agent market. He's relatively cheap and plays decent defense. If he hits that's a bonus.

Who signs a 38 yr old to be starting SS (besides the Yankees lol)

 

[Dr. Awesome]

WTF are the Twins thinking here?

Twins signed SS Jamey Carroll to a two-year, $6.75 million contract.The signing was made official when he passed a physical Tuesday in Minneapolis. Carroll, who turns 38 in February, is expected to take over as the Twins' starting shortstop next season. He has batted .290 with a .368 on-base percentage over the past two years with Los Angeles and is a solid defender, so the Twins are hoping he'll be able to provide some short-term stability to an uncertain middle infield situation.

What's the problem? It's not like there are dozens of middle infielders on the free agent market. He's relatively cheap and plays decent defense. If he hits that's a bonus.

Who signs a 38 yr old to be starting SS (besides the Yankees lol)

Again, it's not like there are lots of options available. Is Jack Wilson still out there? Punto? O-dog? Blank check to Reyes? It's an ugly market for teams needing a shortstop. Sometimes you have to suck it up and take the best you can get. It's a fairly cheap deal and despite his age he hit for a solid average with LA. I highly doubt the great Jamey Carroll is going to cause them to not make a move if some better option is made available either via trade or free agency next year. This team is going to be ungood.

 

[RnR]

Carroll signing aside..... Reyes, Rollins, Furcal, etc. isn't really an ugly FA SS market. What would you consider a pretty FA SS market?

 

[shadyridr]

Carroll signing aside..... Reyes, Rollins, Furcal, etc. isn't really an ugly FA SS market. What would you consider a pretty FA SS market?

and who was their SS last year? Dont they still have Casilla and Nishioka?

 

[Eephus]

Carroll signing aside..... Reyes, Rollins, Furcal, etc. isn't really an ugly FA SS market. What would you consider a pretty FA SS market?

and who was their SS last year? Dont they still have Casilla and Nishioka?

2010 FA SS class was dismal. Scutaro & O. Cabrera were the pick of the litter.

 

[Captain Hook]

WTF are the Twins thinking here?

Twins signed SS Jamey Carroll to a two-year, $6.75 million contract.The signing was made official when he passed a physical Tuesday in Minneapolis. Carroll, who turns 38 in February, is expected to take over as the Twins' starting shortstop next season. He has batted .290 with a .368 on-base percentage over the past two years with Los Angeles and is a solid defender, so the Twins are hoping he'll be able to provide some short-term stability to an uncertain middle infield situation.

umm They are tired of having really crappy middle infielders who are always hurt.Carroll isn't flashy but has a glove and knows how to use it, plays every day and can hit more than their previous MI

 

[Eephus]

WTF are the Twins thinking here?

Twins signed SS Jamey Carroll to a two-year, $6.75 million contract.The signing was made official when he passed a physical Tuesday in Minneapolis. Carroll, who turns 38 in February, is expected to take over as the Twins' starting shortstop next season. He has batted .290 with a .368 on-base percentage over the past two years with Los Angeles and is a solid defender, so the Twins are hoping he'll be able to provide some short-term stability to an uncertain middle infield situation.

umm They are tired of having really crappy middle infielders who are always hurt.Carroll isn't flashy but has a glove and knows how to use it, plays every day and can hit more than their previous MI

So is the grade for the Nishioka experiment a F or INC?

 

[Frostillicus]

WTF are the Twins thinking here?

Twins signed SS Jamey Carroll to a two-year, $6.75 million contract.

The signing was made official when he passed a physical Tuesday in Minneapolis. Carroll, who turns 38 in February, is expected to take over as the Twins' starting shortstop next season. He has batted .290 with a .368 on-base percentage over the past two years with Los Angeles and is a solid defender, so the Twins are hoping he'll be able to provide some short-term stability to an uncertain middle infield situation.

umm They are tired of having really crappy middle infielders who are always hurt.Carroll isn't flashy but has a glove and knows how to use it, plays every day and can hit more than their previous MI

So is the grade for the Nishioka experiment a F or INC?

F-

 

[Dr. Awesome]

Carroll signing aside..... Reyes, Rollins, Furcal, etc. isn't really an ugly FA SS market. What would you consider a pretty FA SS market?

Fair enough. But those guys aren't going to be as cheap.

 

[Eephus]

The Giants signed outfielder Gregor Blanco to a contract, according to the player’s agency.The editor of Baseball America tweeted that Octagon Baseball is reporting that Blanco, 27, signed with San Francisco. While not confirmed, it’s likely that the Giants only had to offer Blanco a minor-league deal.Blanco spent 2011 with the Triple-A affiliates of the Nationals and Royals. In 51 games with the Syracuse Chiefs and 23 games with the Omaha Storm Chasers, Blanco hit just .201, but stole 24 bases and had an on-base percentage of .350.Signed by Atlanta as an amateur free agent in 2000, Blanco is just one year removed from a solid season with the Braves and Royals. In 2010, Blanco hit .283 with a .360 OBP and 11 steals in 85 games.

Sabean is reconstituting the 2009 Braves OF one piece at a time. It's not a terrible signing unless its a major league deal. Blanco could be a useful part of a CF platoon.

 

[Bogart]

So, if Pujols resigns in St. Louis, who is in the driver's seat for Fielder and does his price tag go up?

 

[Greco]

I know this isn't hot stove material but I needed to vent. TWO?! ####### Wild Card teams with a one game play in? Seriously, this is ####### weaksauce.

 

[Eephus]

I know this isn't hot stove material but I needed to vent. TWO?! ####### Wild Card teams with a one game play in? Seriously, this is ####### weaksauce.

the play-in games will be televised at 3PM on the Home Shopping Network.

 

[Daywalker]

I know this isn't hot stove material but I needed to vent. TWO?! ####### Wild Card teams with a one game play in? Seriously, this is ####### weaksauce.

Makes winning your division pivotal. Which it should. I'd prefer a three game play in. A double-header and a following night game. Would be an exciting day of baseball with a double-header play in going on in each league.

 

[shadyridr]

I know this isn't hot stove material but I needed to vent. TWO?! ####### Wild Card teams with a one game play in? Seriously, this is ####### weaksauce.

I like it Win your ####### division and you dont have to worry about it

 

[Bogart]

I know this isn't hot stove material but I needed to vent. TWO?! ####### Wild Card teams with a one game play in? Seriously, this is ####### weaksauce.

I like it Win your ####### division and you dont have to worry about it

I agree. No more coasting if you have the WC "locked up", you still need to be pushing for the division. Of course, I can't wait for when BOS or NY wins one of the wild card spots, and then has to play an inferior team with a stud ace pitcher who shuts them down for one night. The groaning and moaning will be monumental.

 

[Oh Yes!]

makes the WC team burn their best pitcher to make it to the divisional series. really ups the importance of winning your division

 

[Tackling Dummies]

So, if Pujols resigns in St. Louis, who is in the driver's seat for Fielder and does his price tag go up?

I have Fielder going to the Nats. His price might inch up a little, but there are few teams that have the need & money.

 

[Michael Brown]

So, if Pujols resigns in St. Louis, who is in the driver's seat for Fielder and does his price tag go up?

I have Fielder going to the Nats. His price might inch up a little, but there are few teams that have the need & money.

It just takes one other team to create a bidding war. I'd think the Cubs would have to be in on Fielder, and perhaps Boston.

 

[Michael Brown]

I know this isn't hot stove material but I needed to vent. TWO?! ####### Wild Card teams with a one game play in? Seriously, this is ####### weaksauce.

I like it Win your ####### division and you dont have to worry about it

I agree. No more coasting if you have the WC "locked up", you still need to be pushing for the division. Of course, I can't wait for when BOS or NY wins one of the wild card spots, and then has to play an inferior team with a stud ace pitcher who shuts them down for one night. The groaning and moaning will be monumental.

Even as a Yankee fan, this would be high comedy on WFAN for the ensuing two weeks or so. I'm in favor of the added wild card and 1-game playoff, both for the reasons already mentioned and also because it will typically give anywhere from 3-5 additional teams something to play for heading into September.

 

[RnR]

Doumit to the Twins for 1 yr, 3 mil.

Probably a good spot for him in real baseball, but that zaps my hopes for his fantasy potential.

 

[Bogart]

Doumit to the Twins for 1 yr, 3 mil. Probably a good spot for him in real baseball, but that zaps my hopes for his fantasy potential.

Mauer/Morneau insurance. Makes sense.

 

[Eephus]

Doumit to the Twins for 1 yr, 3 mil. Probably a good spot for him in real baseball, but that zaps my hopes for his fantasy potential.

The Twins are spending $26M next year on catchers

 

[Bogart]

Doumit to the Twins for 1 yr, 3 mil. Probably a good spot for him in real baseball, but that zaps my hopes for his fantasy potential.

The Twins are spending $26M next year on catchers

For a combined total of 102 games caught last year. Only need to spend a few more bucks to find someone to catch the other 60.

 

[shadyridr]

I know this isn't hot stove material but I needed to vent. TWO?! ####### Wild Card teams with a one game play in? Seriously, this is ####### weaksauce.

I like it Win your ####### division and you dont have to worry about it

I agree. No more coasting if you have the WC "locked up", you still need to be pushing for the division. Of course, I can't wait for when BOS or NY wins one of the wild card spots, and then has to play an inferior team with a stud ace pitcher who shuts them down for one night. The groaning and moaning will be monumental.

not from me. win the ####in division

 

[RnR]

Blue Jays join the Orioles in retro mode for 2012.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Blue Jays join the Orioles in retro mode for 2012.

Mid 80s Blue Jay gear? Loved that look.

 

[Premier]

Blue Jays join the Orioles in retro mode for 2012.

Great trend.

 

[Eephus]

Blue Jays join the Orioles in retro mode for 2012.

Great trend.

Bring back the Devil Rays

 

[Brady Marino]

Blue Jays join the Orioles in retro mode for 2012.

Great trend.

Bring back the Devil Rays

Colt .45's, plz

 

[Daywalker]

Blue Jays join the Orioles in retro mode for 2012.

Great trend.

Can't believe the Angels haven't made the hats with the halos standard.

 

[Tackling Dummies]

So, if Pujols resigns in St. Louis, who is in the driver's seat for Fielder and does his price tag go up?

I have Fielder going to the Nats. His price might inch up a little, but there are few teams that have the need & money.

It just takes one other team to create a bidding war. I'd think the Cubs would have to be in on Fielder, and perhaps Boston.

Since Boston invested heavily in a LH 1B, making Fielder a +100M DH is not going to happen.

 

[Premier]

Blue Jays join the Orioles in retro mode for 2012.

Great trend.

Bring back the Devil Rays

Not so great of a trend.

 

[Michael Brown]

So, if Pujols resigns in St. Louis, who is in the driver's seat for Fielder and does his price tag go up?

I have Fielder going to the Nats. His price might inch up a little, but there are few teams that have the need & money.

It just takes one other team to create a bidding war. I'd think the Cubs would have to be in on Fielder, and perhaps Boston.

Since Boston invested heavily in a LH 1B, making Fielder a +100M DH is not going to happen.

That's why I said maybe. But if they can carry lefty Ortiz as a DH at $12.5 mil last year it's not a total stretch. Especially with another $14 million coming off the books from the expiring contract of lefty Drew. I understand it's another long-term contract and they're already paying big money for Lackey and Crawford, but most people felt those were bad deals before the ink was even dry. Fielder isn't really a risk. The guy is an offensive force and right smack in the middle of his prime.There's no sure-fire SP available, so it's not insane to think they'd be in on the biggest offensive prize of the offseason after Pujols.Still think he'll be a Cub or a Nat though.

 

[Oh Yes!]

So, if Pujols resigns in St. Louis, who is in the driver's seat for Fielder and does his price tag go up?

I have Fielder going to the Nats. His price might inch up a little, but there are few teams that have the need & money.

It just takes one other team to create a bidding war. I'd think the Cubs would have to be in on Fielder, and perhaps Boston.

Since Boston invested heavily in a LH 1B, making Fielder a +100M DH is not going to happen.

That's why I said maybe. But if they can carry lefty Ortiz as a DH at $12.5 mil last year it's not a total stretch. Especially with another $14 million coming off the books from the expiring contract of lefty Drew. I understand it's another long-term contract and they're already paying big money for Lackey and Crawford, but most people felt those were bad deals before the ink was even dry. Fielder isn't really a risk. The guy is an offensive force and right smack in the middle of his prime.There's no sure-fire SP available, so it's not insane to think they'd be in on the biggest offensive prize of the offseason after Pujols.Still think he'll be a Cub

i didnt get the impression the cubs were going after any high priced FA this year from the Epstein press conference. hope im wrong.

 

[Billy Bats]

So there will be 15 teams in each league in 2013 with interleague play happening from start to finish of the season. That will be nice when the Phils are battling for a division in the final weeks and they're playing the Cardinals and the Braves are playing Kansas City. Full season inter-league play is a terrible byproduct of the Astros move to the AL.

 

[boubucarow]

So there will be 15 teams in each league in 2013 with interleague play happening from start to finish of the season. That will be nice when the Phils are battling for a division in the final weeks and they're playing the Cardinals and the Braves are playing Kansas City. Full season inter-league play is a terrible byproduct of the Astros move to the AL.

X1. They won't have to play more inter league games.

2. Now they can have an almost equal schedule for every team in each division.

So they have a major chance to improve the league.

 

[Billy Bats]

So there will be 15 teams in each league in 2013 with interleague play happening from start to finish of the season. That will be nice when the Phils are battling for a division in the final weeks and they're playing the Cardinals and the Braves are playing Kansas City. Full season inter-league play is a terrible byproduct of the Astros move to the AL.

X1. They won't have to play more inter league games.

2. Now they can have an almost equal schedule for every team in each division.

So they have a major chance to improve the league.

Why the big red x, my scenario isn't possible?

 

[boubucarow]

So there will be 15 teams in each league in 2013 with interleague play happening from start to finish of the season. That will be nice when the Phils are battling for a division in the final weeks and they're playing the Cardinals and the Braves are playing Kansas City. Full season inter-league play is a terrible byproduct of the Astros move to the AL.

X1. They won't have to play more inter league games.

2. Now they can have an almost equal schedule for every team in each division.

So they have a major chance to improve the league.

Why the big red x, my scenario isn't possible?

Explain to me why it matters who they play in the last series. What is the difference if the Braves are playing KC or the last place Mets?

 

[the moops]

Why the big red x, my scenario isn't possible?

Sure it's possible. Just as likely is a scenario where Phillie is playing a last place team and the Braves are playing a first place team.

 

[Billy Bats]

So there will be 15 teams in each league in 2013 with interleague play happening from start to finish of the season. That will be nice when the Phils are battling for a division in the final weeks and they're playing the Cardinals and the Braves are playing Kansas City. Full season inter-league play is a terrible byproduct of the Astros move to the AL.

X1. They won't have to play more inter league games.

2. Now they can have an almost equal schedule for every team in each division.

So they have a major chance to improve the league.

Why the big red x, my scenario isn't possible?

Explain to me why it matters who they play in the last series. What is the difference if the Braves are playing KC or the last place Mets?

I just think there's a little bit of a discrepancy when a team is facing an unfamiliar team from another league while being able to use a DH, while another NL team is facing an NL team who know's them and their batters moreso than an AL team. And in the last week of the season when things are on the line. Seems like it will be an unfair balance of scheduling, that's all.

 

[the moops]

I just think there's a little bit of a discrepancy when a team is facing an unfamiliar team from another league while being able to use a DH, while another NL team is facing an NL team who know's them and their batters moreso than an AL team. And in the last week of the season when things are on the line. Seems like it will be an unfair balance of scheduling, that's all.

I must be missing something here. Have they announce the 2013 schedule yet?

 

[Billy Bats]

I just think there's a little bit of a discrepancy when a team is facing an unfamiliar team from another league while being able to use a DH, while another NL team is facing an NL team who know's them and their batters moreso than an AL team. And in the last week of the season when things are on the line. Seems like it will be an unfair balance of scheduling, that's all.

I must be missing something here. Have they announce the 2013 schedule yet?

Haha no I don't think it's out yet. But how do you stop that from happening?

 

[boubucarow]

I just think there's a little bit of a discrepancy when a team is facing an unfamiliar team from another league while being able to use a DH, while another NL team is facing an NL team who know's them and their batters moreso than an AL team. And in the last week of the season when things are on the line. Seems like it will be an unfair balance of scheduling, that's all.

I must be missing something here. Have they announce the 2013 schedule yet?

Haha no I don't think it's out yet. But how do you stop that from happening?

Why would you want to stop it from happening? As whole, schedules will be far more balanced. When each team has inter league games on the road is just circumstance. Circumstance that doesn't change much at all.

 

[the moops]

I just think there's a little bit of a discrepancy when a team is facing an unfamiliar team from another league while being able to use a DH, while another NL team is facing an NL team who know's them and their batters moreso than an AL team. And in the last week of the season when things are on the line. Seems like it will be an unfair balance of scheduling, that's all.

I must be missing something here. Have they announce the 2013 schedule yet?

Haha no I don't think it's out yet. But how do you stop that from happening?

What is to stop Philadelphia from playing Kansas City and the Braves playing the Cardinals?

 

[curta269]

Just read that Bobby Valentine is a serious candidate for the Red Sox job. I would love to not have him calling Sunday Night Baseball any more! Hope he gets the job!