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

[TobiasFunke]

Carlos Zambrano and $16 mil of his $18 mil contract in 2012 to the Marlins for Chris Volstad.

So, the Cubs get to pay $16 mil for Chris Volstad. WINNING

The fact that they got anything out of it is a win. Staff filler with no future financial ties is better than I could have hoped (if in fact the reported deal is complete). Of course, we will get to see Big Z turn it around in Miami. Not that it matters, it wouldn't have happened in Chicago.

I agree. They were already stuck with the $18 million. They basically saved themselves $2 million and downgraded the back end of their rotation very very slightly. I've always thought Volstad was a decent starter, I wouldn't be at all surprised if he had a better year than Zambrano, and if he does he's under club control until 2015.

 

[JaxBill]

Carlos Zambrano and $16 mil of his $18 mil contract in 2012 to the Marlins for Chris Volstad.

So, the Cubs get to pay $16 mil for Chris Volstad. WINNING

The fact that they got anything out of it is a win. Staff filler with no future financial ties is better than I could have hoped (if in fact the reported deal is complete). Of course, we will get to see Big Z turn it around in Miami. Not that it matters, it wouldn't have happened in Chicago.

I agree. They were already stuck with the $18 million. They basically saved themselves $2 million and downgraded the back end of their rotation very very slightly. I've always thought Volstad was a decent starter, I wouldn't be at all surprised if he had a better year than Zambrano, and if he does he's under club control until 2015.

Volstad is one of those pitchers that can be going along fine and then suddenly combusts into a huge inning. Playing in the huge Dolphins ballpark helped him cut down his HR numbers. Last year he did improve by cutting down on his walks.Still addition by subtraction for the Cubs but I've seen Volstad since he was in AA and even though he's much younger he has a lower ceiling than Z right now (at least on-field).

 

[Dirkswish]

Carlos Zambrano and $16 mil of his $18 mil contract in 2012 to the Marlins for Chris Volstad.

So, the Cubs get to pay $16 mil for Chris Volstad. WINNING

Anybody see Logan morrison's tweet after the trade went down. Something like “Just finished RosettaStone Level 1 Spanish #gonnaneedit #2012Marlins”

Wonder how much flak LoMo will get for that?

I giggled.

 

[Dirkswish]

Carlos Zambrano and $16 mil of his $18 mil contract in 2012 to the Marlins for Chris Volstad.

So, the Cubs get to pay $16 mil for Chris Volstad. WINNING

The Marlins want to reverse this trade. The quote from Miami is, "we are sorry, we thought we were getting VICTOR Zambrano. What do you mean he doesn't pitch anymore?"

 

[boubucarow]

Carlos Zambrano and $16 mil of his $18 mil contract in 2012 to the Marlins for Chris Volstad.

So, the Cubs get to pay $16 mil for Chris Volstad. WINNING

The fact that they got anything out of it is a win. Staff filler with no future financial ties is better than I could have hoped (if in fact the reported deal is complete). Of course, we will get to see Big Z turn it around in Miami. Not that it matters, it wouldn't have happened in Chicago.

I agree. They were already stuck with the $18 million. They basically saved themselves $2 million and downgraded the back end of their rotation very very slightly. I've always thought Volstad was a decent starter, I wouldn't be at all surprised if he had a better year than Zambrano, and if he does he's under club control until 2015.

It looks like the Cubs will not be saving anything. Whatever Volstad is awarded in arbitration will be subtracted from Z's contract and the Cubs owe that to the Marlins.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

Carlos Zambrano and $16 mil of his $18 mil contract in 2012 to the Marlins for Chris Volstad.

So, the Cubs get to pay $16 mil for Chris Volstad. WINNING

The fact that they got anything out of it is a win. Staff filler with no future financial ties is better than I could have hoped (if in fact the reported deal is complete). Of course, we will get to see Big Z turn it around in Miami. Not that it matters, it wouldn't have happened in Chicago.

I agree. They were already stuck with the $18 million. They basically saved themselves $2 million and downgraded the back end of their rotation very very slightly. I've always thought Volstad was a decent starter, I wouldn't be at all surprised if he had a better year than Zambrano, and if he does he's under club control until 2015.

It looks like the Cubs will not be saving anything. Whatever Volstad is awarded in arbitration will be subtracted from Z's contract and the Cubs owe that to the Marlins.

And yet it's still a good deal. Going to be fun watching Ozzie and Zambrano interact.

 

[fasteddie_21]

Reds sign Mason

 

[Eephus]

Reds sign Mason

Derrick made a smooth transition into life after football

 

[Hoos First]

Reds sign Mason

Derrick made a smooth transition into life after football

I thought Roger had came out of retirement

 

[shadyridr]

Wow Boras really screwed his client if the original reports were true.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Wow Boras really screwed his client if the original reports were true.

What are you referring to?

 

[JaxBill]

Reds sign Mason

Derrick made a smooth transition into life after football

I thought Roger had came out of retirement

They really got a solid sponsor in W.B.

 

[Eephus]

Wow Boras really screwed his client if the original reports were true.

What are you referring to?

There were reports that the Phillies had offered 4/$44M to Madson earlier in the off-season before they changed direction to go with Papelbon. Those reports may have come from Boras' camp though. Boras may have overplayed his hand in trying to squeeze a few million out of Philadelphia which cost Madson over $30M.

 

[mquinnjr]

Wow Boras really screwed his client if the original reports were true.

What are you referring to?

There were reports that the Phillies had offered 4/$44M to Madson earlier in the off-season before they changed direction to go with Papelbon. Those reports may have come from Boras' camp though. Boras may have overplayed his hand in trying to squeeze a few million out of Philadelphia which cost Madson over $30M.

Good article in the Philly Inquirer today about this: My linkPhils are my team, and that 4/44 offer is 100% true. Mad Dog/Borass wanted to test the market, and it didn't work out for him. Feel bad, Madson was a great Phillies reliever and will be missed. But, due to Boras, he missed his window to stay. RAJ doesn't play chicken with anyone, and got his replacement when Madson/Boras balked. See - Cliff Lee 2009 off-season.

Shame it had to come at the expense of Madson since I genuinely like him as a player, but it's nice to see something backfire completely on Boras every once in awhile. IMHO he represents all that is evil and wrong in the world.

 

[Eephus]

Wow Boras really screwed his client if the original reports were true.

What are you referring to?

There were reports that the Phillies had offered 4/$44M to Madson earlier in the off-season before they changed direction to go with Papelbon. Those reports may have come from Boras' camp though. Boras may have overplayed his hand in trying to squeeze a few million out of Philadelphia which cost Madson over $30M.

Good article in the Philly Inquirer today about this: My linkPhils are my team, and that 4/44 offer is 100% true. Mad Dog/Borass wanted to test the market, and it didn't work out for him. Feel bad, Madson was a great Phillies reliever and will be missed. But, due to Boras, he missed his window to stay. RAJ doesn't play chicken with anyone, and got his replacement when Madson/Boras balked. See - Cliff Lee 2009 off-season.

Shame it had to come at the expense of Madson since I genuinely like him as a player, but it's nice to see something backfire completely on Boras every once in awhile. IMHO he represents all that is evil and wrong in the world.

The linked article doesn't confirm the 4/$44M offer

 

[RnR]

Let's not feel too bad for Madson. If he's effective for the Reds this season, there's no reason he won't return to the market to receive a 3 yr deal in the range of 30-36 mil. That nets him a 4 year deal at 38.5-44.5 mil. It was a calculated risk on their part that didn't work out, but he'll be fine as long as he doesn't have a major injury or a major meltdown.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Wow Boras really screwed his client if the original reports were true.

What are you referring to?

There were reports that the Phillies had offered 4/$44M to Madson earlier in the off-season before they changed direction to go with Papelbon. Those reports may have come from Boras' camp though. Boras may have overplayed his hand in trying to squeeze a few million out of Philadelphia which cost Madson over $30M.

Thanks.Too bad. I would love to have seen the Phillies saddled with a ridiculously expensive four year deal for a guy who throws 70 innings a year

 

[dparker713]

Wow Boras really screwed his client if the original reports were true.

What are you referring to?

There were reports that the Phillies had offered 4/$44M to Madson earlier in the off-season before they changed direction to go with Papelbon. Those reports may have come from Boras' camp though. Boras may have overplayed his hand in trying to squeeze a few million out of Philadelphia which cost Madson over $30M.

Thanks.Too bad. I would love to have seen the Phillies saddled with a ridiculously expensive four year deal for a guy who throws 70 innings a year

Wondering if anyone wants to defend the Papelbon contrsct now, espcially if they fail to sign Hamels to an extension.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Wow Boras really screwed his client if the original reports were true.

What are you referring to?

There were reports that the Phillies had offered 4/$44M to Madson earlier in the off-season before they changed direction to go with Papelbon. Those reports may have come from Boras' camp though. Boras may have overplayed his hand in trying to squeeze a few million out of Philadelphia which cost Madson over $30M.

Thanks.Too bad. I would love to have seen the Phillies saddled with a ridiculously expensive four year deal for a guy who throws 70 innings a year

Wondering if anyone wants to defend the Papelbon contrsct now, espcially if they fail to sign Hamels to an extension.

If they fail to sign Hamels, it wasn't because of Papelbon. They have more then enough money in the budget to get Hamels done.

 

[harryhood]

Wow Boras really screwed his client if the original reports were true.

What are you referring to?

There were reports that the Phillies had offered 4/$44M to Madson earlier in the off-season before they changed direction to go with Papelbon. Those reports may have come from Boras' camp though. Boras may have overplayed his hand in trying to squeeze a few million out of Philadelphia which cost Madson over $30M.

Thanks.Too bad. I would love to have seen the Phillies saddled with a ridiculously expensive four year deal for a guy who throws 70 innings a year

Wondering if anyone wants to defend the Papelbon contrsct now, espcially if they fail to sign Hamels to an extension.

If they fail to sign Hamels, it wasn't because of Papelbon. They have more then enough money in the budget to get Hamels done.

Any chance they want to see him get through the season without the arm flaring up before locking him in? Any chance if they do that he decides to test the market and flirts with the Yankees?!?!

 

[Dr. Awesome]

Bud Selig gets 2 more years.

 

[Eephus]

Bud Selig gets 2 more years.

Bud Selig-Un isn't ready yet

 

[shadyridr]

Bud Selig gets 2 more years.

i think hes done alot more good for baseball than bad... wildcard, interleague, world classic...

 

[Dr. Awesome]

Bud Selig gets 2 more years.

i think hes done alot more good for baseball than bad... wildcard, interleague, world classic...

Yeah, he's been okay in some areas. But he's getting paid 20+ million per year? Damn fine job there.

 

[Eephus]

Bud Selig gets 2 more years.

i think hes done alot more good for baseball than bad... wildcard, interleague, world classic...

Yeah, he's been okay in some areas. But he's getting paid 20+ million per year? Damn fine job there.

Trade him straight up for Zito

 

[Brady Marino]

Bud Selig gets 2 more years.

i think hes done alot more good for baseball than bad... wildcard, interleague, world classic...

Yeah, he's been okay in some areas. But he's getting paid 20+ million per year? Damn fine job there.

Trade him straight up for Zito

Selig would probably post a lower WHIP than Zito nowadays.

 

[RnR]

Why in the hell would Thome sign with the Phillies? Why in the hell would The Phillies sign Thome?

Ryan Howard insurance? Thome comfortable with a pinch hitting role when Howard is healthy?ETA: Also worth noting Thome has never won a WS ring. Perhaps a diminished role with a contender in a city that he's familiar with is his best ticket for a last chance.

The guy hasn't played 1B since 2007, and that was 1 game, so I don't see how he's insurance for Howard.25 man roster in the NL, on a team that will likely have an infield with all 4 positions manned by bunch of 30 somethings. 3 of those guys missed 20+ games last yeardon't see how he fits

Berkman in RF for STL this season must have blown your mind. Something tells me Jim can manage a few games at 1st. Not going to win a Gold Glove, but then again that's not exactly what they signed him for. I suppose you have similar reservations about the Rockies continually renewing Jason Giambi's contract?How is rostering Jim Thome as a pinch hitter/ occasional 1st baseman any different than rostering Ross Gload? Aside from the huge OPS boost Thome brings.

When you want to use someone to compare to Thome, please narrow it down to players that are over 40 and have taken the field one or fewer times in the last 5 years. Berkman - Never stopped playing defense and 6 years youngerGiambi - who while 40 has played over 100 total games @ 1B over the last 3 years and 200+ over the last 4They aren't very good comparisons.As for being a better fit that Gload.... Ask the Dodgers how Jim Thome in a pinch hitter role worked out.

Seems like your problem is with Ruben Amaro, not me. I'm just telling you why they signed him, as you requested in your original post. It's not my job to provide you with examples that suit your liking. If you're going to be like this after every signing, God help this thread.Or, if you don't like that response, maybe this helps close the subject and put you at ease: "You're right, Limp Ditka. Amaro is clearly in over his head, has no idea what he's doing with this ludicrous signing, and can only be helped by the smartest man from the interwebs.... you."

UPDATE: Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. told Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com on Friday that it’s conceivable Jim Thome could play first base as often as four or five times per month.

 

[Limp Ditka]

Why in the hell would Thome sign with the Phillies? Why in the hell would The Phillies sign Thome?

Ryan Howard insurance? Thome comfortable with a pinch hitting role when Howard is healthy?ETA: Also worth noting Thome has never won a WS ring. Perhaps a diminished role with a contender in a city that he's familiar with is his best ticket for a last chance.

The guy hasn't played 1B since 2007, and that was 1 game, so I don't see how he's insurance for Howard.25 man roster in the NL, on a team that will likely have an infield with all 4 positions manned by bunch of 30 somethings. 3 of those guys missed 20+ games last yeardon't see how he fits

Berkman in RF for STL this season must have blown your mind. Something tells me Jim can manage a few games at 1st. Not going to win a Gold Glove, but then again that's not exactly what they signed him for. I suppose you have similar reservations about the Rockies continually renewing Jason Giambi's contract?How is rostering Jim Thome as a pinch hitter/ occasional 1st baseman any different than rostering Ross Gload? Aside from the huge OPS boost Thome brings.

When you want to use someone to compare to Thome, please narrow it down to players that are over 40 and have taken the field one or fewer times in the last 5 years. Berkman - Never stopped playing defense and 6 years youngerGiambi - who while 40 has played over 100 total games @ 1B over the last 3 years and 200+ over the last 4They aren't very good comparisons.As for being a better fit that Gload.... Ask the Dodgers how Jim Thome in a pinch hitter role worked out.

Seems like your problem is with Ruben Amaro, not me. I'm just telling you why they signed him, as you requested in your original post. It's not my job to provide you with examples that suit your liking. If you're going to be like this after every signing, God help this thread.Or, if you don't like that response, maybe this helps close the subject and put you at ease: "You're right, Limp Ditka. Amaro is clearly in over his head, has no idea what he's doing with this ludicrous signing, and can only be helped by the smartest man from the interwebs.... you."

UPDATE: Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. told Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com on Friday that it’s conceivable Jim Thome could play first base as often as four or five times per month.

Of course its conceivable. All four of his limbs technically do work.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Crisp back to the A's for 7 million a year.

I mean, what the ####.

A two year deal

I have no idea what Beane is doing here

Tanking.I guess he figures Crisp is decent enough and he can possibly flip him for some more low level prospects. Or worst case he rides him for the next two years when healthy until the prospects can take over.

Can Oakland hit 60 wins this year? 70?

I really don't think Crisp is going to net that much.Instead of trying to flip him, why not pour that money into Latin America, since this is the last year that there's a cap on Latin America spending? Jorge Soler?

 

[Eephus]

A person with knowledge of the negotiations says the Oakland Athletics and right-hander Bartolo Colon have reached agreement on a one-year deal that will bolster the team's depleted rotation.Colon's contract is pending a physical, the person said Sunday, speaking on condition of anonymity because the team had yet to make a formal announcement.

 

[Brady Marino]

A person with knowledge of the negotiations says the Oakland Athletics and right-hander Bartolo Colon have reached agreement on a one-year deal that will bolster the team's depleted rotation.

Colon's contract is pending a physical, the person said Sunday, speaking on condition of anonymity because the team had yet to make a formal announcement.

MONEYBALL

 

[Dr. Awesome]

A person with knowledge of the negotiations says the Oakland Athletics and right-hander Bartolo Colon have reached agreement on a one-year deal that will bolster the team's depleted rotation.Colon's contract is pending a physical, the person said Sunday, speaking on condition of anonymity because the team had yet to make a formal announcement.

Beane is shticking it up at this point. Probably needs to sober up before making any more moves. They're going to suck the next couple years and might as well spend the money on something. They'll need an innings eater and Bartolo Colon is a beacon of health.

 

[Eephus]

A person with knowledge of the negotiations says the Oakland Athletics and right-hander Bartolo Colon have reached agreement on a one-year deal that will bolster the team's depleted rotation.Colon's contract is pending a physical, the person said Sunday, speaking on condition of anonymity because the team had yet to make a formal announcement.

Beane is shticking it up at this point. Probably needs to sober up before making any more moves. They're going to suck the next couple years and might as well spend the money on something. They'll need an innings eater and Bartolo Colon is a beacon of health.

Bart may not be an innings eater anymore but at least he's an eater

 

[Dr. Awesome]

A person with knowledge of the negotiations says the Oakland Athletics and right-hander Bartolo Colon have reached agreement on a one-year deal that will bolster the team's depleted rotation.Colon's contract is pending a physical, the person said Sunday, speaking on condition of anonymity because the team had yet to make a formal announcement.

Beane is shticking it up at this point. Probably needs to sober up before making any more moves. They're going to suck the next couple years and might as well spend the money on something. They'll need an innings eater and Bartolo Colon is a beacon of health.

Bart may not be an innings eater anymore but at least he's an eater

He's not really a beacon of health either. But he's at least...uhm...well...I've got nothing.

 

[Captain Hook]

always nice to be able to put out "Big Fat Bartolo Colon" for a dollar at the end of auctions

 

[fasteddie_21]

Ludwick is a Red. Depth. Now a 3-headed monster for 2 spots: Stubbs, Heisey, Ludwick.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

A person with knowledge of the negotiations says the Oakland Athletics and right-hander Bartolo Colon have reached agreement on a one-year deal that will bolster the team's depleted rotation.Colon's contract is pending a physical, the person said Sunday, speaking on condition of anonymity because the team had yet to make a formal announcement.

2.9 WAR last year, and good ratios. If we're going to go super-cheap, he's a pretty strong pickup.

 

[Samuel L Bronkowitz]

KRod accepts $8M arbitration deal (plus incentives) with Brewers. 3 arbitration deals left (Marcum, Loe, Jose Veras)

Craig Counsell retires and takes front office job.

They have until 4pm today to get a deal done with Norichika Aoki or he goes back to Japan.

 

[harryhood]

BREAKING: @Tigers announce that All-star Victor Martinez is likely out for the 2012 season with a torn ACL.

Do they make a move for a Bat now?

 

[Premier]

Crawford going to miss spring training and probably some games. I feel so bad.

 

[the moops]

Crawford going to miss spring training and probably some games. I feel so bad.

Wasn't Crawford a very well liked guy down in Tampa? Not sure how you guys can hold much of a grudge when a guy leaves to sign a 142 million dollar contract elsewhere. It is something every single one of us would do.

 

[Tackling Dummies]

BREAKING: @Tigers announce that All-star Victor Martinez is likely out for the 2012 season with a torn ACL.Do they make a move for a Bat now?

I'd think so, they need to fill around 600 ABs.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

If you're coming over from Japan, and you want to maximize your contract, wouldn't you get posted a year before you really wanted to come over, ask for something outrageous, and then hit the open market a year later? Or is it too frowned upon to screw your NPB team to do this?

 

[Captain Hook]

If you're coming over from Japan, and you want to maximize your contract, wouldn't you get posted a year before you really wanted to come over, ask for something outrageous, and then hit the open market a year later? Or is it too frowned upon to screw your NPB team to do this?

Not very honorable - you might get a sword in the wrong place

 

[Guest]

If you're coming over from Japan, and you want to maximize your contract, wouldn't you get posted a year before you really wanted to come over, ask for something outrageous, and then hit the open market a year later? Or is it too frowned upon to screw your NPB team to do this?

Dunno if it was true, but after Daisuke signed a rumor came out that his Japanese team had threatened to play him in their minor-league affiliate, perpetually delaying his eligibility to become a free agent, if he didn't arrive at a deal with the Red Sox. Whether or not that was true, there was certainly a decent amount of talk during his negotiations that his franchise could really use the money so I can't imagine they would have been very happy with him losing them $51MM.

 

[Eephus]

If you're coming over from Japan, and you want to maximize your contract, wouldn't you get posted a year before you really wanted to come over, ask for something outrageous, and then hit the open market a year later? Or is it too frowned upon to screw your NPB team to do this?

Dunno if it was true, but after Daisuke signed a rumor came out that his Japanese team had threatened to play him in their minor-league affiliate, perpetually delaying his eligibility to become a free agent, if he didn't arrive at a deal with the Red Sox. Whether or not that was true, there was certainly a decent amount of talk during his negotiations that his franchise could really use the money so I can't imagine they would have been very happy with him losing them $51MM.

$51.7M pays for a lot of ham to fight

 

[Wrigley]

International players should be subject to the draft like every other player.

total bs that these guys go to the highest bidder.

 

[Eephus]

International players should be subject to the draft like every other player.total bs that these guys go to the highest bidder.

NPB is a professional league Darvish's case is much more like an international transfer in soccer than some American high schooler.

 

[Guest]

International players should be subject to the draft like every other player.total bs that these guys go to the highest bidder.

MLB is keeping friendly with the Japanese league and compensating them for the players that they're losingETA: I didn't realize this till reading stuff today, but the posting system for the Japanese league was put into place after Nomo and Alfonso Soriano (who started his career in Japan, who knew?) left for MLB, leaving their teams in the lurch, and the Japanese league tried to sue MLB.

 

[TobiasFunke]

International players should be subject to the draft like every other player.total bs that these guys go to the highest bidder.

NPB is a professional league Darvish's case is much more like an international transfer in soccer than some American high schooler.

I'd say he's more like a European professional basketball player or hockey player, and those guys are subject to the US professional league drafts.Soccer doesn't have player drafts and other rules intended to preserve competitive balance like American sports do. It's an integral part of our sports leagues. Foreign professional baseball players are the only exception, and it's silly.