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

[Eephus]

I also wonder (1) if he's older than 31, like others have said, and (2) wonder if the steroids era gave us all the wrong idea of what happens to sluggers in their mid-30s.

I think this is a great point and I mentioned either in this thread or the Marlins thread. I think only Hank Aaron had a season, after the age of 35, anywhere in the ballpark of Pujols-09 season. Coming of a down year and a significant injury I just don't know how it makes sense in light of what we've seen happen with AROD.

Pujols' 2009 season had the 133rd highest WAR for position players in baseball history. He doesn't have to perform at that level to be "worth" $25M. His production was down in 2011 primarily because he missed time. If he stays healthy, he's capable of putting together enough >6.0 WAR seasons to have the contract make sense in pure baseball terms. This excludes any off-the-field benefits of the signing such as ticket sales, merch and media. Staying healthy is a huge if of course.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

I also wonder (1) if he's older than 31, like others have said, and (2) wonder if the steroids era gave us all the wrong idea of what happens to sluggers in their mid-30s.

I think this is a great point and I mentioned either in this thread or the Marlins thread. I think only Hank Aaron had a season, after the age of 35, anywhere in the ballpark of Pujols-09 season. Coming of a down year and a significant injury I just don't know how it makes sense in light of what we've seen happen with AROD.

Shocking Pujols didn't sign in Miami, you know, because of all the great Latino culture. Maybe he's part Asian because he took a west coast job?

Swing and a miss. At least be funny.

How about you try being less of a moron?

 

[shake zula]

I also wonder (1) if he's older than 31, like others have said, and (2) wonder if the steroids era gave us all the wrong idea of what happens to sluggers in their mid-30s.

I think this is a great point and I mentioned either in this thread or the Marlins thread. I think only Hank Aaron had a season, after the age of 35, anywhere in the ballpark of Pujols-09 season. Coming of a down year and a significant injury I just don't know how it makes sense in light of what we've seen happen with AROD.

Shocking Pujols didn't sign in Miami, you know, because of all the great Latino culture. Maybe he's part Asian because he took a west coast job?

Swing and a miss. At least be funny.

How about you try being less of a moron?

What'd I ever do to you????

 

[Arsenal of Doom]

Jon_Heyman Jon Heyman

#angels new tv deal is the key, insiders say. may get $150M per. had been getting only $50M.

An extra $100 mill a year will make these new contracts a lot easier to swallow, I'd say

Add in what Pujols might mean to the value of the next TV deal.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Tigers get Dotel

 

[boubucarow]

I also wonder (1) if he's older than 31, like others have said, and (2) wonder if the steroids era gave us all the wrong idea of what happens to sluggers in their mid-30s.

I think this is a great point and I mentioned either in this thread or the Marlins thread. I think only Hank Aaron had a season, after the age of 35, anywhere in the ballpark of Pujols-09 season. Coming of a down year and a significant injury I just don't know how it makes sense in light of what we've seen happen with AROD.

Pujols had a 150 OPS+ this past year as a career low. He has had three other OPS+ season under 160. His career high is 190 and career average is 170.As for age 36 and older seasons....Aaron was between 147 and 194 from 36-39.Ted Williams was between 179 and 208 from 36-39.Ruth was between 160 and 218 from 36-39.Yes, this deal would have scared me if my Cubs signed him. However, it would not surprise me if he was still an elite hitter through is late 30's. And unlike the players above, he will have the DH to accumulate extra at bats when his body begins to break down.If he is in fact 32 next season, the Angels could be in line for 9 elite levels seasons on a 10 year deal. The number could of course be less if he is in fact older.I am not saying the overall deal is a great thing for the Angels. But a hitter of Pujols level, and there have only been a handful of players at that level ever, shouldn't stun anybody if he was an elite hitter through this contract. At the age of 41, Ted Williams had an 190 OPS+ in 390 PA's. The .01% of hitters are on their own clock.

 

[shuke]

Albert must have taken lessons from LeBron on how to look as much of a whore as possible before leaving a fan base that has supported you for years.Go make your money, Albert. I hope you ####### choke on a $100 bill that you try to smoke.

Classy.

 

[shake zula]

I also wonder (1) if he's older than 31, like others have said, and (2) wonder if the steroids era gave us all the wrong idea of what happens to sluggers in their mid-30s.

I think this is a great point and I mentioned either in this thread or the Marlins thread. I think only Hank Aaron had a season, after the age of 35, anywhere in the ballpark of Pujols-09 season. Coming of a down year and a significant injury I just don't know how it makes sense in light of what we've seen happen with AROD.

Pujols had a 150 OPS+ this past year as a career low. He has had three other OPS+ season under 160. His career high is 190 and career average is 170.As for age 36 and older seasons....Aaron was between 147 and 194 from 36-39.Ted Williams was between 179 and 208 from 36-39.Ruth was between 160 and 218 from 36-39.Yes, this deal would have scared me if my Cubs signed him. However, it would not surprise me if he was still an elite hitter through is late 30's. And unlike the players above, he will have the DH to accumulate extra at bats when his body begins to break down.If he is in fact 32 next season, the Angels could be in line for 9 elite levels seasons on a 10 year deal. The number could of course be less if he is in fact older.I am not saying the overall deal is a great thing for the Angels. But a hitter of Pujols level, and there have only been a handful of players at that level ever, shouldn't stun anybody if he was an elite hitter through this contract. At the age of 41, Ted Williams had an 190 OPS+ in 390 PA's. The .01% of hitters are on their own clock.

You may be right but I don't think the odds are in favor of Pujols sustaining these numbers through the age of 40. Of the 3 players you listed the most contemporary is Aaron and that was roughly 35 years ago. We aren't talking.01% of players we are talking .00000000001% of all players. That isn't to say he can't be productive or that he can't be "Ruth/Aaron" productive. It just isn't statistically likely. We just don't have very many, if any, non-steroid contemporary examples of high end productivity (i.e. 08-09 Pujols) post 35 yoa.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I also wonder (1) if he's older than 31, like others have said, and (2) wonder if the steroids era gave us all the wrong idea of what happens to sluggers in their mid-30s.

I think this is a great point and I mentioned either in this thread or the Marlins thread. I think only Hank Aaron had a season, after the age of 35, anywhere in the ballpark of Pujols-09 season. Coming of a down year and a significant injury I just don't know how it makes sense in light of what we've seen happen with AROD.

Pujols had a 150 OPS+ this past year as a career low. He has had three other OPS+ season under 160. His career high is 190 and career average is 170.As for age 36 and older seasons....Aaron was between 147 and 194 from 36-39.Ted Williams was between 179 and 208 from 36-39.Ruth was between 160 and 218 from 36-39.Yes, this deal would have scared me if my Cubs signed him. However, it would not surprise me if he was still an elite hitter through is late 30's. And unlike the players above, he will have the DH to accumulate extra at bats when his body begins to break down.If he is in fact 32 next season, the Angels could be in line for 9 elite levels seasons on a 10 year deal. The number could of course be less if he is in fact older.I am not saying the overall deal is a great thing for the Angels. But a hitter of Pujols level, and there have only been a handful of players at that level ever, shouldn't stun anybody if he was an elite hitter through this contract. At the age of 41, Ted Williams had an 190 OPS+ in 390 PA's. The .01% of hitters are on their own clock.

It's an interesting argument, but it seems like cherry-picking to me. Williams is a special case because of the time he missed during the war- for all we know those numbers are a dropoff. Certainly the numbers you give for Ruth, impressive as they are, do represent a pretty decent dropoff from his peak number (career average OPS+ of 206, generally he was at or above 225 for most of the years between 1920 and 1927. Aaron was amazingly consistent into his 30s, but for every Aaron or Frank Robinson in the top .01% there's a pile of A-Rods and Mantles. Obviously it's possibly Pujols will be one of the greats who bucks the odds and keeps performing at or near peak level into his late 30s, but it's more likely that he won't be, even when you look only at the average trends of the all-time greats. And especially when you factor how he's been trending over the last two seasons.

 

[boubucarow]

I also wonder (1) if he's older than 31, like others have said, and (2) wonder if the steroids era gave us all the wrong idea of what happens to sluggers in their mid-30s.

I think this is a great point and I mentioned either in this thread or the Marlins thread. I think only Hank Aaron had a season, after the age of 35, anywhere in the ballpark of Pujols-09 season. Coming of a down year and a significant injury I just don't know how it makes sense in light of what we've seen happen with AROD.

Pujols had a 150 OPS+ this past year as a career low. He has had three other OPS+ season under 160. His career high is 190 and career average is 170.As for age 36 and older seasons....Aaron was between 147 and 194 from 36-39.Ted Williams was between 179 and 208 from 36-39.Ruth was between 160 and 218 from 36-39.Yes, this deal would have scared me if my Cubs signed him. However, it would not surprise me if he was still an elite hitter through is late 30's. And unlike the players above, he will have the DH to accumulate extra at bats when his body begins to break down.If he is in fact 32 next season, the Angels could be in line for 9 elite levels seasons on a 10 year deal. The number could of course be less if he is in fact older.I am not saying the overall deal is a great thing for the Angels. But a hitter of Pujols level, and there have only been a handful of players at that level ever, shouldn't stun anybody if he was an elite hitter through this contract. At the age of 41, Ted Williams had an 190 OPS+ in 390 PA's. The .01% of hitters are on their own clock.

It's an interesting argument, but it seems like cherry-picking to me. Williams is a special case because of the time he missed during the war- for all we know those numbers are a dropoff. Certainly the numbers you give for Ruth, impressive as they are, do represent a pretty decent dropoff from his peak number (career average OPS+ of 206, generally he was at or above 225 for most of the years between 1920 and 1927. Aaron was amazingly consistent into his 30s, but for every Aaron or Frank Robinson in the top .01% there's a pile of A-Rods and Mantles. Obviously it's possibly Pujols will be one of the greats who bucks the odds and keeps performing at or near peak level into his late 30s, but it's more likely that he won't be, even when you look only at the average trends of the all-time greats. And especially when you factor how he's been trending over the last two seasons.

Don't feel like putting the time into finding Pujols-like players and comparing their post 35 seasons and I don't have a dog in this race. I am just happy he isn't in the NL Central anymore.ARod's long developing hip condition has a lot do with his decline. Mantle was destroying his body as soon as he found alcohol. Foxx is a good comparable to Pujols but there was questions about drinking or other conditions that saw his career plummet in his early 30s. I am not sure how many players have been comparable to Pujols as hitters in their first 11 years or up to their age 31 season. But if you take that grouping of players, what then have been the historical odds of remaining an elite hitter in the late 30's if you account for previous conditions and lifestyle choices.In the end, I agree that this contract is a gamble. But how much of a gamble?

 

[TobiasFunke]

Don't feel like putting the time into finding Pujols-like players and comparing their post 35 seasons and I don't have a dog in this race. I am just happy he isn't in the NL Central anymore.

ARod's long developing hip condition has a lot do with his decline. Mantle was destroying his body as soon as he found alcohol. Foxx is a good comparable to Pujols but there was questions about drinking or other conditions that saw his career plummet in his early 30s. I am not sure how many players have been comparable to Pujols as hitters in their first 11 years or up to their age 31 season. But if you take that grouping of players, what then have been the historical odds of remaining an elite hitter in the late 30's if you account for previous conditions and lifestyle choices.

In the end, I agree that this contract is a gamble. But how much of a gamble?

I think ultimately this depends on their finances, and I just don't know a lot about that.If the Wilson and Pujols deals mean they're not gonna be able to retain the ridiculous crop of talented players on their current roster that are eligible for free agency in the next two offseasons without a huge new influx in cash, it's a HUGE gamble. They're basically rolling the dice that Pujols and Wilson will either bring them a World Series in the next two years or will increase their revenue so much that they can afford to spend a lot more than they can right now (the two obviously being related).

If, however, they already see themselves in the Yankees/Red Sox payroll stratosphere and thus can already afford to bring back most of the gang of Weaver, Haren, Kendrick, Izturis, Aybar, etc., then it's less of a gamble. But then if you're in that stratosphere, nothing is really that much of a gamble.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Does anyone want Darvish?

 

[shadyridr]

Does anyone want Darvish?

 

[Bogart]

Does anyone want Darvish?

Rangers are saying they are out, but you never know with them.

 

[Captain Hook]

Alex Gonzales to Brewers on a one year deal

 

[TobiasFunke]

Does anyone want Darvish?

The Nats definitely want him. Rizzo tried to be coy about it but it was pretty transparent and they still have a ton of money to spend this offseason even if you assume they're gonna re-up with Zimmerman some time in the next year. I'd be surprised if they don't post a pretty hefty bid. He's a righthander and they already have two of those at the top of the rotation, that's the only reason they might pause.

 

[Bogart]

So the Marlins were the high bidders on both Pujols and Wilson?? Holy crap, that is spending some money.

 

[shake zula]

So the Marlins were the high bidders on both Pujols and Wilson?? Holy crap, that is spending some money.

Marlins offered 275 million.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

This is a fantastic deal for the Angels. Despite being an A's fan I live fairly close to Angel's stadium. My family has season tickets. And yet the Dodgers are still the bigger team in Southern California (though the gap has been closing). Angels have had a very hard time gaining popularity in Los Angeles. Wilson will help them win ballgames but the casual fan isn't too familiar with him. Pujols will help them win ballgames AND cause huge waves amongst the casual fan out here. Pujols is a massive shot to the Dodgers and a great way to show folks down here they're no longer second fiddle to L.A. There are loads of fans that are going to start hopping bandwagons. That's worth some extra coin.

 

[boubucarow]

This is a fantastic deal for the Angels. Despite being an A's fan I live fairly close to Angel's stadium. My family has season tickets. And yet the Dodgers are still the bigger team in Southern California (though the gap has been closing). Angels have had a very hard time gaining popularity in Los Angeles. Wilson will help them win ballgames but the casual fan isn't too familiar with him. Pujols will help them win ballgames AND cause huge waves amongst the casual fan out here. Pujols is a massive shot to the Dodgers and a great way to show folks down here they're no longer second fiddle to L.A. There are loads of fans that are going to start hopping bandwagons. That's worth some extra coin.

It is LA.

 

[Limp Ditka]

Ian Stewart to the Cubs because .236/.323/.428 just screams sabermetrics gold.

Cubs acquired 3B Ian Stewart and RHP Casey Weathers from the Rockies for OF Tyler Colvin and INF D.J. LeMahieu.The two sides had been discussing the deal throughout the Winter Meetings and finally reached an agreement on Thursday night. Stewart had a pitiful .156/.243/.221 batting line with zero homers and six RBI in 136 plate appearances this past year for Colorado, but he's shown flashes of power in the past and may be able to get back on track in a different environment. It's a worthwhile risk for Theo Epstein and Co.

 

[Arsenal of Doom]

Ian Stewart to the Cubs because .236/.323/.428 just screams sabermetrics gold.

Cubs acquired 3B Ian Stewart and RHP Casey Weathers from the Rockies for OF Tyler Colvin and INF D.J. LeMahieu.The two sides had been discussing the deal throughout the Winter Meetings and finally reached an agreement on Thursday night. Stewart had a pitiful .156/.243/.221 batting line with zero homers and six RBI in 136 plate appearances this past year for Colorado, but he's shown flashes of power in the past and may be able to get back on track in a different environment. It's a worthwhile risk for Theo Epstein and Co.

It's the kind of deal that probably works out in the best interest of all involved. Stewart and Colvin both flamed out hard last year after showing some degree of earlier promise, and both are likely better served with a fresh start. Neither would draw a current prospect in return so the best you can do is flip them for a player in a similar position and hope for the best.

 

[Brady Marino]

Ok, might have overreacted a bit regarding Pujols taking the money and running from St. Louis.

That said, at least this cements Stan Musial as the greatest Cardinal ever.

 

[shadyridr]

Ok, might have overreacted a bit regarding Pujols taking the money and running from St. Louis.That said, at least this cements Stan Musial as the greatest Cardinal ever.

you MIGHT have?

 

[boubucarow]

Ian Stewart to the Cubs because .236/.323/.428 just screams sabermetrics gold.

Cubs acquired 3B Ian Stewart and RHP Casey Weathers from the Rockies for OF Tyler Colvin and INF D.J. LeMahieu.The two sides had been discussing the deal throughout the Winter Meetings and finally reached an agreement on Thursday night. Stewart had a pitiful .156/.243/.221 batting line with zero homers and six RBI in 136 plate appearances this past year for Colorado, but he's shown flashes of power in the past and may be able to get back on track in a different environment. It's a worthwhile risk for Theo Epstein and Co.

It's the kind of deal that probably works out in the best interest of all involved. Stewart and Colvin both flamed out hard last year after showing some degree of earlier promise, and both are likely better served with a fresh start. Neither would draw a current prospect in return so the best you can do is flip them for a player in a similar position and hope for the best.

Basically. Stewart fits the mold defensively and offensively (in theory) at 3B for the new Cubs. Colvin and DJ are allergic to walks. The kind of deal that could look like a steal either way if the light bulb turns on for one of these players. Far more likely they produce as the fringe players we suspect them to be.The Cubs basically had two options this fall. They could have spent a ton of money on long term contracts with huge back end risk. Or they find the best pieces they can going forward without that risk. Both moves so far aren't excited by any means. But I like both of them.

 

[Mr. Know-It-All]

Ok, might have overreacted a bit regarding Pujols taking the money and running from St. Louis.That said, at least this cements Stan Musial as the greatest Cardinal ever.

This was never in jeopardy. Stan Musial is St Louis baseball. Pujols may be El Hombre, but he never was going to be The Man. Don't get me wrong - I still love Pujols; but you don't replace Musial. Now the argument becomes most beloved Cardinals. For awhile Pujols was ahead of Ozzie - I think Ozzie resumes his rightful place at #2.

 

[gump]

Not really hot stove....but the Rays locked up Matt Moore for the next 5 years at $14M.

 

[boubucarow]

Not really hot stove....but the Rays locked up Matt Moore for the next 5 years at $14M.

They really need to move that team to a place that will appreciate the genius of that organization.

 

[Wrigley]

Ian Stewart to the Cubs because .236/.323/.428 just screams sabermetrics gold.

Cubs acquired 3B Ian Stewart and RHP Casey Weathers from the Rockies for OF Tyler Colvin and INF D.J. LeMahieu.The two sides had been discussing the deal throughout the Winter Meetings and finally reached an agreement on Thursday night. Stewart had a pitiful .156/.243/.221 batting line with zero homers and six RBI in 136 plate appearances this past year for Colorado, but he's shown flashes of power in the past and may be able to get back on track in a different environment. It's a worthwhile risk for Theo Epstein and Co.

We should have traded our closer for him

 

[dparker713]

I also wonder (1) if he's older than 31, like others have said, and (2) wonder if the steroids era gave us all the wrong idea of what happens to sluggers in their mid-30s.

I think this is a great point and I mentioned either in this thread or the Marlins thread. I think only Hank Aaron had a season, after the age of 35, anywhere in the ballpark of Pujols-09 season. Coming of a down year and a significant injury I just don't know how it makes sense in light of what we've seen happen with AROD.

You keep saying this, and you keep being wrong. Ruth, Cobb, Mays, Teddy, Musial all put up seasons akin to Pujols' 09 past the age of 35. I'm sure there are others.

 

[RnR]

Ian Stewart to the Cubs because .236/.323/.428 just screams sabermetrics gold.

Cubs acquired 3B Ian Stewart and RHP Casey Weathers from the Rockies for OF Tyler Colvin and INF D.J. LeMahieu.The two sides had been discussing the deal throughout the Winter Meetings and finally reached an agreement on Thursday night. Stewart had a pitiful .156/.243/.221 batting line with zero homers and six RBI in 136 plate appearances this past year for Colorado, but he's shown flashes of power in the past and may be able to get back on track in a different environment. It's a worthwhile risk for Theo Epstein and Co.

We should have traded our closer for him

While this is a perfectly acceptable rebuttal, I would've gone with a Brent Morel joke myself.

 

[Eephus]

The Rangers sign former Attorney General and utility infielder Alberto Gonzalez to a minor league deal. Another one gets away from Ned Colletti.

 

[Mr. Know-It-All]

Ian Stewart to the Cubs because .236/.323/.428 just screams sabermetrics gold.

Cubs acquired 3B Ian Stewart and RHP Casey Weathers from the Rockies for OF Tyler Colvin and INF D.J. LeMahieu.The two sides had been discussing the deal throughout the Winter Meetings and finally reached an agreement on Thursday night. Stewart had a pitiful .156/.243/.221 batting line with zero homers and six RBI in 136 plate appearances this past year for Colorado, but he's shown flashes of power in the past and may be able to get back on track in a different environment. It's a worthwhile risk for Theo Epstein and Co.

We should have traded our closer for him

Wow, those number are an improvement over Carlos Pena - but I thought Cubs were pretty high on Colvin...and was it LeMahieu or Lahair that they have been waiting to develop?

 

[boubucarow]

Ian Stewart to the Cubs because .236/.323/.428 just screams sabermetrics gold.

Cubs acquired 3B Ian Stewart and RHP Casey Weathers from the Rockies for OF Tyler Colvin and INF D.J. LeMahieu.The two sides had been discussing the deal throughout the Winter Meetings and finally reached an agreement on Thursday night. Stewart had a pitiful .156/.243/.221 batting line with zero homers and six RBI in 136 plate appearances this past year for Colorado, but he's shown flashes of power in the past and may be able to get back on track in a different environment. It's a worthwhile risk for Theo Epstein and Co.

We should have traded our closer for him

Wow, those number are an improvement over Carlos Pena - but I thought Cubs were pretty high on Colvin...and was it LeMahieu or Lahair that they have been waiting to develop?

None of the above.

 

[Eephus]

Ian Stewart to the Cubs because .236/.323/.428 just screams sabermetrics gold.

Cubs acquired 3B Ian Stewart and RHP Casey Weathers from the Rockies for OF Tyler Colvin and INF D.J. LeMahieu.The two sides had been discussing the deal throughout the Winter Meetings and finally reached an agreement on Thursday night. Stewart had a pitiful .156/.243/.221 batting line with zero homers and six RBI in 136 plate appearances this past year for Colorado, but he's shown flashes of power in the past and may be able to get back on track in a different environment. It's a worthwhile risk for Theo Epstein and Co.

We should have traded our closer for him

Wow, those number are an improvement over Carlos Pena - but I thought Cubs were pretty high on Colvin...and was it LeMahieu or Lahair that they have been waiting to develop?

None of the above.

It's hard to pick a winner of a trade of guys coming off .150/.204/.306 and .156/.243/.221 seasons unless you're involved with Hacking Mass. D.J. LeMahieu could end up becoming the most valuable piece of this deal.

 

[Billy Bats]

Not really hot stove....but the Rays locked up Matt Moore for the next 5 years at $14M.

They really need to move that team to a place that will appreciate the genius of that organization.

It's a real shame they're stuck in a non-baseball city like Tampa.

 

[RnR]

Not really hot stove....but the Rays locked up Matt Moore for the next 5 years at $14M.

They really need to move that team to a place that will appreciate the genius of that organization.

It's a real shame they're stuck in a non-baseball city like Tampa.

Sigh. They're not even in Tampa. A good 30 minute ride, including like a 10 mile bridge to get there from Tampa.

 

[Bogart]

The Rangers sign former Attorney General and utility infielder Alberto Gonzalez to a minor league deal. Another one gets away from Ned Colletti.

Yep, there is the missing piece. So long Blanco?

 

[Daywalker]

Angels just agreed to 20-year/3 billion TV deal with FoxSports. 150mill/year. Hello Boston-West. Would think back-end of Pujols contract just paid for itself.

 

[Premier]

Not really hot stove....but the Rays locked up Matt Moore for the next 5 years at $14M.

They really need to move that team to a place that will appreciate the genius of that organization.

It's a real shame they're stuck in a non-baseball city like Tampa.

Sigh. They're not even in Tampa. A good 30 minute ride, including like a 10 mile bridge to get there from Tampa.

Exactly. If people were going to ##### about things, it would be nice if they knew basic, reasonable facts. Ps, I love being a Rays fan.pps, Moore deal is really 8 years/45 million. Basically the Longoria Special.

 

[boubucarow]

Ian Stewart to the Cubs because .236/.323/.428 just screams sabermetrics gold.

Cubs acquired 3B Ian Stewart and RHP Casey Weathers from the Rockies for OF Tyler Colvin and INF D.J. LeMahieu.The two sides had been discussing the deal throughout the Winter Meetings and finally reached an agreement on Thursday night. Stewart had a pitiful .156/.243/.221 batting line with zero homers and six RBI in 136 plate appearances this past year for Colorado, but he's shown flashes of power in the past and may be able to get back on track in a different environment. It's a worthwhile risk for Theo Epstein and Co.

We should have traded our closer for him

Wow, those number are an improvement over Carlos Pena - but I thought Cubs were pretty high on Colvin...and was it LeMahieu or Lahair that they have been waiting to develop?

None of the above.

It's hard to pick a winner of a trade of guys coming off .150/.204/.306 and .156/.243/.221 seasons unless you're involved with Hacking Mass. D.J. LeMahieu could end up becoming the most valuable piece of this deal.

He could do that without accomplishing much. He is a solid contact guy who has gap power, low walk rate, and no speed. He is expected to max out at 10-15 HR at best so 3B isn't really an option due to his lack of walks. He would be more valuable at 2B but there are major questions if he has the feet to play there.

 

[boubucarow]

Not really hot stove....but the Rays locked up Matt Moore for the next 5 years at $14M.

They really need to move that team to a place that will appreciate the genius of that organization.

It's a real shame they're stuck in a non-baseball city like Tampa.

Sigh. They're not even in Tampa. A good 30 minute ride, including like a 10 mile bridge to get there from Tampa.

Exactly. If people were going to ##### about things, it would be nice if they knew basic, reasonable facts. Ps, I love being a Rays fan.

I know the arguments about the stadium being outside of Tampa. The point is their current situation sucks and they at least need to move the stadium if not move the team to a new city entirely. You have every reason to love the Rays and it will really suck for fans like you if they are "forced" to leave.

 

[Daywalker]

With the Angels TV deal imagine McCourt just made and extra 100mill when the auction comes around for the Dodgers.

 

[Eephus]

The Marlins DFAed Clay Hensley. There will always be a warm spot in my heart for Hensley and his 7 cheap saves down the stretch in Sept 2010. He paid off for fantasy owners who took a flyer on him.

 

[Captain Hook]

The Marlins DFAed Clay Hensley. There will always be a warm spot in my heart for Hensley and his 7 cheap saves down the stretch in Sept 2010. He paid off for fantasy owners who took a flyer on him.

+1

 

[Captain Hook]

Looks like Diamondbacks are sending Jarrod Parker and Cowlin Cowgill (and perhaps another minor leaguer) to Oakland for Trevor Cahill and Craig Breslow

 

[Dr. Awesome]

Looks like Diamondbacks are sending Jarrod Parker and Cowlin Cowgill (and perhaps another minor leaguer) to Oakland for Trevor Cahill and Craig Breslow

Who the hell are Jarrod Parker and Cowlin Cowgill? Those names sound made up./mop

 

[Eephus]

Looks like Diamondbacks are sending Jarrod Parker and Cowlin Cowgill (and perhaps another minor leaguer) to Oakland for Trevor Cahill and Craig Breslow

Who the hell are Jarrod Parker and Cowlin Cowgill? Those names sound made up./mop

The A's total payroll will be less than Pujols' & Wells' salaries.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

Looks like Diamondbacks are sending Jarrod Parker and Cowlin Cowgill (and perhaps another minor leaguer) to Oakland for Trevor Cahill and Craig Breslow

Who the hell are Jarrod Parker and Cowlin Cowgill? Those names sound made up./mop

The A's total payroll will be less than Pujols' & Wells' salaries.

Looks like Oakland also got Ryan Cook. Seriously, who are these guys? Cahill is a good pitcher under team control for the next 4 seasons.

 

[shadyridr]

Not really hot stove....but the Rays locked up Matt Moore for the next 5 years at $14M.

They really need to move that team to a place that will appreciate the genius of that organization.

It's a real shame they're stuck in a non-baseball city like Tampa.

Sigh. They're not even in Tampa. A good 30 minute ride, including like a 10 mile bridge to get there from Tampa.

Exactly. If people were going to ##### about things, it would be nice if they knew basic, reasonable facts. Ps, I love being a Rays fan.

I know the arguments about the stadium being outside of Tampa. The point is their current situation sucks and they at least need to move the stadium if not move the team to a new city entirely. You have every reason to love the Rays and it will really suck for fans like you if they are "forced" to leave.

its not the city, its the stadium which is a dump