***Official 2012 Hot Stove Thread (2 Viewers)

[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?

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

It's ####### stupid. Come on man, it's not a Phillies argument. I just don't like full season inter-league play and the idea of late season, division race games being played on unbalanced terms. That's all.

 

[the moops]

It's ####### stupid. Come on man, it's not a Phillies argument. I just don't like full season inter-league play and the idea of late season, division race games being played on unbalanced terms. That's all.

Again, why does it matter if some team is playing a ####ty team in the other league or a ####ty team in their own league? Unless you are proposing that teams only play teams in their own division, who happen to be in the playoff race, there is always going to be "unbalance".

 

[Eephus]

With Ryan Howard out with a torn Achilles' tendon, the Philadelphia Phillies have moved quickly to address their temporary vacancy at first base.The Phillies acquired infielder Ty Wigginton from the Colorado Rockies on Sunday for a player to be named later. The Rockies will also pay half of the $4 million Wigginton has remaining on his contract.Wigginton, 34, gives Philadelphia a right-handed complement to veteran Jim Thome, whom the Phils signed earlier this month to a one-year deal, as potential fill-ins at first base until Howard recovers from surgery.Wigginton can also play third base and the outfield, which would give the team some versatility once Howard returns -- possibly by the end of April. It would also give them an alternative to 36-year-old Placido Polanco at third base. Polanco underwent surgery last month for a double sports hernia, but is expected to be ready for spring training.

Seems like a decent deal by the much maligned (around here) Ruben Amaro Jr.

 

[Billy Bats]

It's ####### stupid. Come on man, it's not a Phillies argument. I just don't like full season inter-league play and the idea of late season, division race games being played on unbalanced terms. That's all.

Again, why does it matter if some team is playing a ####ty team in the other league or a ####ty team in their own league? Unless you are proposing that teams only play teams in their own division, who happen to be in the playoff race, there is always going to be "unbalance".

So a Red Sox fan will be ok playing in Philly, without a DH and Buchholz batting while facing Halladay, Lee and Hamels and the Yanks are playing in NY against Seattle with a DH facing pitchers they've seen all year in the last week of the season? Cool.

 

[the moops]

It's ####### stupid. Come on man, it's not a Phillies argument. I just don't like full season inter-league play and the idea of late season, division race games being played on unbalanced terms. That's all.

Again, why does it matter if some team is playing a ####ty team in the other league or a ####ty team in their own league? Unless you are proposing that teams only play teams in their own division, who happen to be in the playoff race, there is always going to be "unbalance".

So a Red Sox fan will be ok playing in Philly, without a DH and Buchholz batting while facing Halladay, Lee and Hamels and the Yanks are playing in NY against Seattle with a DH facing pitchers they've seen all year in the last week of the season? Cool.

Are you intentionally being this dense?

 

[Oh Yes!]

the only viable option is to just get rid of the DH all together.

 

[Eephus]

The Orioles made the signing of free-agent infielder Matt Antonelli official following his physical in Baltimore on Monday. He is expected to compete for a job in Spring Training, and will be used at second and third base.

It was a Major League deal and he was added to Baltimore's 40 man. Antonelli was a former top Padres prospect who had injury and adjustment problems. He had a decent AAA year in the Nationals organization in 2011. It's a pretty good signing by Duquette because Brian Roberts isn't exactly Cal Ripken Jr.

 

[JaxBill]

A Chicago man was arrested Monday for allegedly breaking into Chicago White Sox general manager Kenny Williams' house.

Wayne L. Field III, 51, of the 900 block of West Lawrence Avenue was charged with residential burglary for allegedly unlawfully entering the house and taking several articles of clothing, a set of keys and jewelry.

Field apparently made himself at home. Police found him wearing Williams' clothes and the GM's 2005 World Series ring. He also apparently defrosted a lobster.

This incident occurred between Nov. 18 and 21 while Williams was out of town, police said.

Williams confirmed the incident and said the man drank his beer, ate frozen pizza, surfed the internet and kicked his shoes off on the bed.

During the burglary, Field left behind a hospital bracelet with his name on it, police said. Field returned some time later and was seen peeking into the home.

Officers spotted him wearing Williams' clothes and arrested him.

Source: http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Man-Broke-into-Sox-GMs-Home-Defrosted-Lobster-Cops-134319858.html#ixzz1eS1EMQXJ

 

[Doctor Detroit]

A Chicago man was arrested Monday for allegedly breaking into Chicago White Sox general manager Kenny Williams' house.

Wayne L. Field III, 51, of the 900 block of West Lawrence Avenue was charged with residential burglary for allegedly unlawfully entering the house and taking several articles of clothing, a set of keys and jewelry.

Field apparently made himself at home. Police found him wearing Williams' clothes and the GM's 2005 World Series ring. He also apparently defrosted a lobster.

This incident occurred between Nov. 18 and 21 while Williams was out of town, police said.

Williams confirmed the incident and said the man drank his beer, ate frozen pizza, surfed the internet and kicked his shoes off on the bed.

During the burglary, Field left behind a hospital bracelet with his name on it, police said. Field returned some time later and was seen peeking into the home.

Officers spotted him wearing Williams' clothes and arrested him.

Source: http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Man-Broke-into-Sox-GMs-Home-Defrosted-Lobster-Cops-134319858.html#ixzz1eS1EMQXJ

 

[Eephus]

A Chicago man was arrested Monday for allegedly breaking into Chicago White Sox general manager Kenny Williams' house.

Wayne L. Field III, 51, of the 900 block of West Lawrence Avenue was charged with residential burglary for allegedly unlawfully entering the house and taking several articles of clothing, a set of keys and jewelry.

Field apparently made himself at home. Police found him wearing Williams' clothes and the GM's 2005 World Series ring. He also apparently defrosted a lobster.

This incident occurred between Nov. 18 and 21 while Williams was out of town, police said.

Williams confirmed the incident and said the man drank his beer, ate frozen pizza, surfed the internet and kicked his shoes off on the bed.

During the burglary, Field left behind a hospital bracelet with his name on it, police said. Field returned some time later and was seen peeking into the home.

Officers spotted him wearing Williams' clothes and arrested him.

Source: http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Man-Broke-into-Sox-GMs-Home-Defrosted-Lobster-Cops-134319858.html#ixzz1eS1EMQXJ

It wasn't a sockIt was a Sock Lobster

 

[Premier]

Who the #### freezes lobster?

 

[Oh Yes!]

Who the #### freezes lobster?

kenny ####### williams, thats who

 

[Michael Brown]

A Chicago man was arrested Monday for allegedly breaking into Chicago White Sox general manager Kenny Williams' house.

Wayne L. Field III, 51, of the 900 block of West Lawrence Avenue was charged with residential burglary for allegedly unlawfully entering the house and taking several articles of clothing, a set of keys and jewelry.

Field apparently made himself at home. Police found him wearing Williams' clothes and the GM's 2005 World Series ring. He also apparently defrosted a lobster.

This incident occurred between Nov. 18 and 21 while Williams was out of town, police said.

Williams confirmed the incident and said the man drank his beer, ate frozen pizza, surfed the internet and kicked his shoes off on the bed.

During the burglary, Field left behind a hospital bracelet with his name on it, police said. Field returned some time later and was seen peeking into the home.

Officers spotted him wearing Williams' clothes and arrested him.

Source: http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Man-Broke-into-Sox-GMs-Home-Defrosted-Lobster-Cops-134319858.html#ixzz1eS1EMQXJ

The lobster put this one over the top

 

[dparker713]

With Ryan Howard out with a torn Achilles' tendon, the Philadelphia Phillies have moved quickly to address their temporary vacancy at first base.The Phillies acquired infielder Ty Wigginton from the Colorado Rockies on Sunday for a player to be named later. The Rockies will also pay half of the $4 million Wigginton has remaining on his contract.Wigginton, 34, gives Philadelphia a right-handed complement to veteran Jim Thome, whom the Phils signed earlier this month to a one-year deal, as potential fill-ins at first base until Howard recovers from surgery.Wigginton can also play third base and the outfield, which would give the team some versatility once Howard returns -- possibly by the end of April. It would also give them an alternative to 36-year-old Placido Polanco at third base. Polanco underwent surgery last month for a double sports hernia, but is expected to be ready for spring training.

Seems like a decent deal by the much maligned (around here) Ruben Amaro Jr.

Wigginton is an ok 25th man on a roster - he can play a bunch of places in a pinch, but if their plan is to play him regularly than color me unimpressed.

 

[dparker713]

New CBA looks like a disaster. The new draft and international caps should not only serve to limit incoming talent, but also close the only door currently available to small market teams to compete. I had been softening on Selig the last few seasons, but with this as his legacy it should be easy to despise the used carsalesman til the day he dies.

 

[Tackling Dummies]

New CBA looks like a disaster. The new draft and international caps should not only serve to limit incoming talent, but also close the only door currently available to small market teams to compete. I had been softening on Selig the last few seasons, but with this as his legacy it should be easy to despise the used carsalesman til the day he dies.

 

[Eephus]

Miami backup catcher John Baker traded to San Diego for mediocre lefty Wade LeBlanc.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Miami backup catcher John Baker traded to San Diego for mediocre lefty Wade LeBlanc.

Wade>Matt

 

[Eephus]

Miami backup catcher John Baker traded to San Diego for mediocre lefty Wade LeBlanc.

Wade>Matt

That's one more response than I expected about this blockbuster

 

[Michael Brown]

Sizemore back to the Tribe on a 1-year deal for $5 mil and another $4 mil in incentives according to MLB Network

 

[the moops]

Wigginton is an ok 25th man on a roster - he can play a bunch of places in a pinch, but if their plan is to play him regularly than color me unimpressed.

Did somebody from the Phillie organization molest you as a kid or something?

 

[dparker713]

Wigginton is an ok 25th man on a roster - he can play a bunch of places in a pinch, but if their plan is to play him regularly than color me unimpressed.

Did somebody from the Phillie organization molest you as a kid or something?

Calling the acquisition of Ty Wigginton unimpressive has absolutely nothing to do with my hatred of the Phillies.

 

[RnR]

Wigginton is an ok 25th man on a roster - he can play a bunch of places in a pinch, but if their plan is to play him regularly than color me unimpressed.

Did somebody from the Phillie organization molest you as a kid or something?

Calling the acquisition of Ty Wigginton unimpressive has absolutely nothing to do with my hatred of the Phillies.

So it is more about the member of the Phillies organization molesting you as a kid?

 

[Limp Ditka]

But I thought Jim Thome was the 25th man on the Phillies roster

 

[Bogart]

But I thought Jim Thome was the 25th man on the Phillies roster

 

[Doctor Detroit]

But I thought Jim Thome was the 25th man on the Phillies roster

 

[Not Sure]

A Chicago man was arrested Monday for allegedly breaking into Chicago White Sox general manager Kenny Williams' house.

Wayne L. Field III, 51, of the 900 block of West Lawrence Avenue was charged with residential burglary for allegedly unlawfully entering the house and taking several articles of clothing, a set of keys and jewelry.

Field apparently made himself at home. Police found him wearing Williams' clothes and the GM's 2005 World Series ring. He also apparently defrosted a lobster.

This incident occurred between Nov. 18 and 21 while Williams was out of town, police said.

Williams confirmed the incident and said the man drank his beer, ate frozen pizza, surfed the internet and kicked his shoes off on the bed.

During the burglary, Field left behind a hospital bracelet with his name on it, police said. Field returned some time later and was seen peeking into the home.

Officers spotted him wearing Williams' clothes and arrested him.

Source: http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Man-Broke-into-Sox-GMs-Home-Defrosted-Lobster-Cops-134319858.html#ixzz1eS1EMQXJ

 

[Guster]

i'm a big Sox fan and really don't want to see Bobby V as their coach. the dude is a joke. are they just bringing him in to be a puppet? oof

 

[Good Posting Judge]

David DeJesus and his wife are participating in Black Friday. Per his wife's Twitter.

 

[Eephus]

The Rays traded backup catcher John Jaso to Seattle for right handed reliever and convicted sex offender Josh Lueke

 

[Oh Yes!]

cubs shopping marmol?

According to Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune, Cubs closer Carlos Marmol is drawing trade interest.If new Cubs president Theo Epstein really wants to shake things up and start from scratch, moving Marmol might make sense. He posted an underwhelming 4.01 ERA and 1.38 WHIP this past year for Chicago, but he'd likely fetch a decent prospect or two because of the potential he's shown in the past. The 29-year-old righty is owed $7 million next season and $9.8 million in 2013.

 

[Eephus]

The Phillies were interested in having Billy Wagner come out of retirement next season, but the star closer passed on both returning to baseball and rejoining the Mets’ arch rivals.

Wagner, who retired after a sparkling 2010 with the Braves, told The Post yesterday the Phillies called him directly after the 2011 season ended.

“It was after the regular season ... just to see if I was even contemplating coming back or had an itch or anything,” Wagner said. “I just told them, ‘No, I do not have an itch.’”

The Phillies’ interest came prior to their signing of new closer Jonathan Papelbon for four years and $50 million. Wagner, now 40, would have cost far less money. He pitched for the Phillies in 2004-05 before signing with the Mets in 2006.

Doug B, there's still a chance

 

[Doctor Detroit]

cubs shopping marmol?

According to Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune, Cubs closer Carlos Marmol is drawing trade interest.If new Cubs president Theo Epstein really wants to shake things up and start from scratch, moving Marmol might make sense. He posted an underwhelming 4.01 ERA and 1.38 WHIP this past year for Chicago, but he'd likely fetch a decent prospect or two because of the potential he's shown in the past. The 29-year-old righty is owed $7 million next season and $9.8 million in 2013.

He was awful last year.

 

[Oh Yes!]

cubs shopping marmol?

According to Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune, Cubs closer Carlos Marmol is drawing trade interest.If new Cubs president Theo Epstein really wants to shake things up and start from scratch, moving Marmol might make sense. He posted an underwhelming 4.01 ERA and 1.38 WHIP this past year for Chicago, but he'd likely fetch a decent prospect or two because of the potential he's shown in the past. The 29-year-old righty is owed $7 million next season and $9.8 million in 2013.

He was awful last year.

eh, maybe boston takes a chance? 7-8mm for a guy who has the stuff to be the most dominant closer in the league...

 

[shadyridr]

Sox list down to Gene Lamont or Bobby Valentine What is this 1999?

 

[thetman]

What are the Red Sox doing? Lmao

 

[gump]

There's something 'big' about to happen in Miami.

Not sure yet if its Wilson/Reyes big....or Pujols/Fielder big....

 

[Bogart]

There's something 'big' about to happen in Miami.Not sure yet if its Wilson/Reyes big....or Pujols/Fielder big....

Wilson was there yesterday, but he said that his decision won't happen until the Winter Meetings or right after. Of course out of those 4 names, he ranks 4th in "bigness"

 

[Oh Yes!]

cubs getting in on Fileder/Pujols

 

[the moops]

I've always enjoyed Bobby Valentine.

 

[coolnerd]

http://blog.chron.com/ultimateastros/2011/11/28/astros-receive-permission-to-interview-rays-gm-friedman/

Rays GM to talk with Astros...He has Texas roots, fwiw.

 

[Premier]

Friedman is rumored to own stake in the Rays. Not really worried about him leaving.

 

[gump]

There's something 'big' about to happen in Miami.Not sure yet if its Wilson/Reyes big....or Pujols/Fielder big....

Wilson was there yesterday, but he said that his decision won't happen until the Winter Meetings or right after. Of course out of those 4 names, he ranks 4th in "bigness"

I knew he was there...didn't know about that quote on timing. This is supposed to happen sooner.He's the perfect SoBe guy (non-latino anyway)....with his Lamborghini, etc....but from the reaction I'm getting, it certainly seems bigger.Everything is new though....so may be over-blown.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

cubs shopping marmol?

According to Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune, Cubs closer Carlos Marmol is drawing trade interest.If new Cubs president Theo Epstein really wants to shake things up and start from scratch, moving Marmol might make sense. He posted an underwhelming 4.01 ERA and 1.38 WHIP this past year for Chicago, but he'd likely fetch a decent prospect or two because of the potential he's shown in the past. The 29-year-old righty is owed $7 million next season and $9.8 million in 2013.

He was awful last year.

eh, maybe boston takes a chance? 7-8mm for a guy who has the stuff to be the most dominant closer in the league...

Not with that walk rate.

 

[RnR]

There's something 'big' about to happen in Miami.Not sure yet if its Wilson/Reyes big....or Pujols/Fielder big....

Wilson was there yesterday, but he said that his decision won't happen until the Winter Meetings or right after. Of course out of those 4 names, he ranks 4th in "bigness"

I knew he was there...didn't know about that quote on timing. This is supposed to happen sooner.He's the perfect SoBe guy (non-latino anyway)....with his Lamborghini, etc....but from the reaction I'm getting, it certainly seems bigger.Everything is new though....so may be over-blown.

Gotta be Reyes.

 

[RnR]

Jonathan Broxton to the Royals: 1 yr, 4 mil. Heyman says he'll be Soria's set-up man. My link

 

[Eephus]

Jonathan Broxton to the Royals: 1 yr, 4 mil. Heyman says he'll be Soria's set-up man. My link

I didn't see that one coming. It's a decent risk/reward move if Broxton is healthy and gets his head on straight. The Royals need starting pitching more than relievers. The signing could work out well if Aaron Crow is able to successfully move to the rotation, but Crow never had minor league success as a starter and his current repertoire seems better suited for the pen.

 

[RnR]

Jonathan Broxton to the Royals: 1 yr, 4 mil. Heyman says he'll be Soria's set-up man. My link

I didn't see that one coming. It's a decent risk/reward move if Broxton is healthy and gets his head on straight. The Royals need starting pitching more than relievers. The signing could work out well if Aaron Crow is able to successfully move to the rotation, but Crow never had minor league success as a starter and his current repertoire seems better suited for the pen.

Honestly, I think the Royals are only a couple of arms away from contending in the Central. That young nucleus of everyday players is going to be pretty exciting. A healthy Broxton helps bridge the gap to finishing games, that's for sure. Should be interesting to see if they make a play for a decent starter or two in the upcoming weeks.

 

[dparker713]

Jonathan Broxton to the Royals: 1 yr, 4 mil. Heyman says he'll be Soria's set-up man. My link

I didn't see that one coming. It's a decent risk/reward move if Broxton is healthy and gets his head on straight. The Royals need starting pitching more than relievers. The signing could work out well if Aaron Crow is able to successfully move to the rotation, but Crow never had minor league success as a starter and his current repertoire seems better suited for the pen.

Problem is everyone needs starting pitching. I think they're better off going the route of trades and stretching out relievers than signing FA pitching. Hell, when it costs 4.5 mil per season plus 1.5 mil in incentives to sign Bruce freakin Chen, it might be time to start looking elsewhere.

 

[Eephus]

Jonathan Broxton to the Royals: 1 yr, 4 mil. Heyman says he'll be Soria's set-up man. My link

I didn't see that one coming. It's a decent risk/reward move if Broxton is healthy and gets his head on straight. The Royals need starting pitching more than relievers. The signing could work out well if Aaron Crow is able to successfully move to the rotation, but Crow never had minor league success as a starter and his current repertoire seems better suited for the pen.

Problem is everyone needs starting pitching. I think they're better off going the route of trades and stretching out relievers than signing FA pitching. Hell, when it costs 4.5 mil per season plus 1.5 mil in incentives to sign Bruce freakin Chen, it might be time to start looking elsewhere.

The two year deal for Bruce Chen is a head scratcher