*** OFFICIAL *** Baseball Offseason Moves (2006-07)... (1 Viewer)

[Michael Brown]

Another friend is a Baltimore native. Poor *******. No Shot.Why can't this man take his son to see a game and fill him with hope?This is why.

The Orioles don't compete because they are stupid.

If he was a fan of the Devil Rays, Royals, A's, any of the small market teams that are at a real disadvantage due to the salary structure, then fine.But the Orioles have no excuses to not sell out that place nightly and roll with a payroll of $100 million worth of quality players. From model franchise to hopeless afterthoughts every year.

 

[randall146]

I have to think Epstein is a much hated man in GM and ownership circles right now.Agents all over the land are beating GM's over the head with this signing.He's pushed the envelope past what any reasonable man would want to go.What would be difficult to stomach for the rest of us in the next 6 yrs would be this;Sox fans #####ing about the cost of tickets, tv, hats, jerseys, beer or anything else that would construe baseball earnings.Also somebody kill Jimmy Fallon. Thank You.

I think you are misreading the whole thing.The Sox haven't pushed the price of free agents up with this bidding/signing. As to the bidding the Sox were merely the highest of a number record-setting bids for a posting. So the "posting fee" market was up regardless. In addition, the high posting fee was clearly restricted to this particular player, as proven by far lower winning posting fees after Daisuke's.And agents have no leverage over GMs from the nature of this negotiation. From all public reports in this negotiation the Sox offered 8 mil per year, for 5-6 years, while Boras demanded 20, then 15, then 12, all for three years only, and finally they agreed to less than 9 per for the full 6 years.You can argue that the posting fee was too high by 10 million, but the Sox kicked ### in negotiating the deal.P.S. Fallon isn't a Sox fan that was a movie.

 

[Capella]

Rays signed Iwamura yesterday.

3B-Upton

LF-Crawford

CF-Baldelli (or Dukes in event of a trade)

RF-Young

1B-Cantu/Wiggington

2B-Iwamura

DH-Gomes/Norton

C-Navarro

SS-Zobrist

With any kind of pitching, I don't know how that team doesn't win at least 75 games next year.

 

[posty]

White Sox Trade Gload to Royals for Sisco

http://sports.iwon.com/news/12162006/v1611.html

CHICAGO (AP) -First baseman-outfielder Ross Gload was traded by the Chicago White Sox on Saturday to the Kansas City Royals for reliever Andrew Sisco, a 6-foot-10 left-hander.

Sisco has a 3-8 record and 4.85 ERA in 132 games the last two seasons with Kansas City. He was 1-3 with a 7.10 ERA in 65 games last year.

Gload batted .327 with three home runs and 18 RBI in 77 games with the White Sox in 2006. Last month he agreed to a one-year, $625,000 contract with Chicago.

Gload, a left-handed batter, hit .308 with 10 homers and 67 RBIs over three seasons as a backup for the White Sox. He's also been with the Chicago Cubs and Colorado.

The 23-year-old Sisco was originally chosen by the Cubs in the second round of the June 2001 draft and was a Rule 5 selection by the Royals in December 2004.

 

[Jefferson the Caregiver]

I have to think Epstein is a much hated man in GM and ownership circles right now.Agents all over the land are beating GM's over the head with this signing.

No they are beating GMs over the head because of the signings of Adam Eaton, Gil Meche and Vicente Padilla. Not to mention the overpaying that the Dodgers did for Jason Schmidt.Matzuzaka's contract looks like a bargain in comparison.

 

[MrPhoenix]

White Sox Trade Gload to Royals for Sisco

http://sports.iwon.com/news/12162006/v1611.html

CHICAGO (AP) -First baseman-outfielder Ross Gload was traded by the Chicago White Sox on Saturday to the Kansas City Royals for reliever Andrew Sisco, a 6-foot-10 left-hander.

Sisco has a 3-8 record and 4.85 ERA in 132 games the last two seasons with Kansas City. He was 1-3 with a 7.10 ERA in 65 games last year.

Gload batted .327 with three home runs and 18 RBI in 77 games with the White Sox in 2006. Last month he agreed to a one-year, $625,000 contract with Chicago.

Gload, a left-handed batter, hit .308 with 10 homers and 67 RBIs over three seasons as a backup for the White Sox. He's also been with the Chicago Cubs and Colorado.

The 23-year-old Sisco was originally chosen by the Cubs in the second round of the June 2001 draft and was a Rule 5 selection by the Royals in December 2004.

Nice trade for the Sox. Sisco's gonna be a good one. Gload is replaceable.

 

[MrPhoenix]

Rays signed Iwamura yesterday.

3B-Upton

LF-Crawford

CF-Baldelli (or Dukes in event of a trade)

RF-Young

1B-Cantu/Wiggington

2B-Iwamura

DH-Gomes/Norton

C-Navarro

SS-Zobrist

With any kind of pitching, I don't know how that team doesn't win at least 75 games next year.

You sure you don't have this backwards?

 

[pelland]

Rays signed Iwamura yesterday.

3B-Upton

LF-Crawford

CF-Baldelli (or Dukes in event of a trade)

RF-Young

1B-Cantu/Wiggington

2B-Iwamura

DH-Gomes/Norton

C-Navarro

SS-Zobrist

With any kind of pitching, I don't know how that team doesn't win at least 75 games next year.

You sure you don't have this backwards?

From what I saw it looks like Iwamura will be at 3B. Upton on bench or minors unless Baldelli is traded. If that happens Upton to outfield.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Rays signed Iwamura yesterday.3B-UptonLF-CrawfordCF-Baldelli (or Dukes in event of a trade)RF-Young1B-Cantu/Wiggington2B-IwamuraDH-Gomes/NortonC-NavarroSS-ZobristWith any kind of pitching, I don't know how that team doesn't win at least 75 games next year.

When did the Rays move to the NL Central? 75 wins?

 

[shadyridr]

White Sox Trade Gload to Royals for Sisco

http://sports.iwon.com/news/12162006/v1611.html

CHICAGO (AP) -First baseman-outfielder Ross Gload was traded by the Chicago White Sox on Saturday to the Kansas City Royals for reliever Andrew Sisco, a 6-foot-10 left-hander.

Sisco has a 3-8 record and 4.85 ERA in 132 games the last two seasons with Kansas City. He was 1-3 with a 7.10 ERA in 65 games last year.

Gload batted .327 with three home runs and 18 RBI in 77 games with the White Sox in 2006. Last month he agreed to a one-year, $625,000 contract with Chicago.

Gload, a left-handed batter, hit .308 with 10 homers and 67 RBIs over three seasons as a backup for the White Sox. He's also been with the Chicago Cubs and Colorado.

The 23-year-old Sisco was originally chosen by the Cubs in the second round of the June 2001 draft and was a Rule 5 selection by the Royals in December 2004.

Most people will look right over this deal but this could be one of the worst trades/FA moves of the year. A hard throwing young lefty for a 4th OFer.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

White Sox Trade Gload to Royals for Sisco

http://sports.iwon.com/news/12162006/v1611.html

CHICAGO (AP) -First baseman-outfielder Ross Gload was traded by the Chicago White Sox on Saturday to the Kansas City Royals for reliever Andrew Sisco, a 6-foot-10 left-hander.

Sisco has a 3-8 record and 4.85 ERA in 132 games the last two seasons with Kansas City. He was 1-3 with a 7.10 ERA in 65 games last year.

Gload batted .327 with three home runs and 18 RBI in 77 games with the White Sox in 2006. Last month he agreed to a one-year, $625,000 contract with Chicago.

Gload, a left-handed batter, hit .308 with 10 homers and 67 RBIs over three seasons as a backup for the White Sox. He's also been with the Chicago Cubs and Colorado.

The 23-year-old Sisco was originally chosen by the Cubs in the second round of the June 2001 draft and was a Rule 5 selection by the Royals in December 2004.

Most people will look right over this deal but this could be one of the worst trades/FA moves of the year. A hard throwing young lefty for a 4th OFer.

Sisco will probably win the Cy Young in 2008.

 

[cubd8]

White Sox Trade Gload to Royals for Sisco

http://sports.iwon.com/news/12162006/v1611.html

CHICAGO (AP) -First baseman-outfielder Ross Gload was traded by the Chicago White Sox on Saturday to the Kansas City Royals for reliever Andrew Sisco, a 6-foot-10 left-hander.

Sisco has a 3-8 record and 4.85 ERA in 132 games the last two seasons with Kansas City. He was 1-3 with a 7.10 ERA in 65 games last year.

Gload batted .327 with three home runs and 18 RBI in 77 games with the White Sox in 2006. Last month he agreed to a one-year, $625,000 contract with Chicago.

Gload, a left-handed batter, hit .308 with 10 homers and 67 RBIs over three seasons as a backup for the White Sox. He's also been with the Chicago Cubs and Colorado.

The 23-year-old Sisco was originally chosen by the Cubs in the second round of the June 2001 draft and was a Rule 5 selection by the Royals in December 2004.

Most people will look right over this deal but this could be one of the worst trades/FA moves of the year. A hard throwing young lefty for a 4th OFer.

Sisco will probably win the Cy Young in 2008.

I'm assuming that you are being sarcastic, but this is an excellent trade by the White Sox. To get a lefty with some good upside for a reserve (and I like Gload) is a move with little/no downside - the White Sox still have an excellent bench with Mackowiak, Cintron, Ozuna, and most likely Ryan Sweeney in the OF.

 

[SteelCurtain]

Word coming out of Boston is that JD Drew failed his physical and the contract is being renegotiated to help protect the Red Sox in case of injury.

 

[the moops]

Interesting to see the breakdown.

BOSTON --Details of Daisuke Matsuzaka's $52 million, six-year contract with the Boston Red Sox, as obtained by The Associated Press:

Signing Bonus

$2 million

Salaries

2007--$6 million

2008--$8 million

2009--$8 million

2010--$8 million

2011--$10 million

2012 --$10 million

Escalators

2009 and 2010 salaries can increase to $10 million, and 2011 and 2012 salaries can increase to $12 million based finishing among top three in Cy Young Award voting and top five in MVP voting

Award bonuses

For All-Star selection, All-Star starting pitcher, Gold Glove, league championship series MVP, World Series MVP, Cy Young (top three), MVP (top five), Rookie of the Year.

No Trade Provision

If player gets his first day of major league service during a guaranteed contract of at least six years after a player has been with a professional baseball league team other than a major or minor league team, player cannot be traded without his consent.

Perks

--Eight round-trip first class tickets per year between Japan and Boston

--Spring training housing allowance up to $25,000

--Boston housing allowance of up to $75,000

--One-time moving allowance of up to $35,000

--Use of a Lincoln Town Car or similar car

--Interpreter

--Red Sox player ticket package, of which two seats will be field box

--Team employee to assist Japanese media

--Player cannot be sent to minor leagues

--Player will receive uniform No. 18

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Perks

--Eight round-trip first class tickets per year between Japan and Boston-

I like this perk. I wish my employer just gave me one per year from Germany to the U.S.

--Spring training housing allowance up to $25,000

Don't they have spring training at Ft Myers? That's a lot of money.

--Boston housing allowance of up to $75,000



I can see this. You figure the guy will live close to the center of town to take in the whole experience. Maybe a day to day apartment near Fenway then a hooker pad downtown.

--One-time moving allowance of up to $35,000

That's a lot of money to move. I guess if you ship all your crap by air it could cost upwards of 25k. I have to ship my stuff by ocean liner.

--Use of a Lincoln Town Car or similar car

A Lincoln towncar? Is he 74? I can see a fight with an AARP card holder in his future.

--Interpreter

Of course.

--Red Sox player ticket package, of which two seats will be field box

Nice

--Team employee to assist Japanese media

Smart

--Player cannot be sent to minor leagues

I would hope not

--Player will receive uniform No. 18

Ok

 

[Daisuke Matsuzaka]

You are forgetting my personal masseuse.

 

[Daisuke Matsuzaka]

anyone else hear about the yankees possibly trading cabrer for mike gonzalez?

 

[Kevin Ashcraft]

White Sox Trade Gload to Royals for Sisco

http://sports.iwon.com/news/12162006/v1611.html

CHICAGO (AP) -First baseman-outfielder Ross Gload was traded by the Chicago White Sox on Saturday to the Kansas City Royals for reliever Andrew Sisco, a 6-foot-10 left-hander.

Sisco has a 3-8 record and 4.85 ERA in 132 games the last two seasons with Kansas City. He was 1-3 with a 7.10 ERA in 65 games last year.

Gload batted .327 with three home runs and 18 RBI in 77 games with the White Sox in 2006. Last month he agreed to a one-year, $625,000 contract with Chicago.

Gload, a left-handed batter, hit .308 with 10 homers and 67 RBIs over three seasons as a backup for the White Sox. He's also been with the Chicago Cubs and Colorado.

The 23-year-old Sisco was originally chosen by the Cubs in the second round of the June 2001 draft and was a Rule 5 selection by the Royals in December 2004.

Most people will look right over this deal but this could be one of the worst trades/FA moves of the year. A hard throwing young lefty for a 4th OFer.

Sisco will probably win the Cy Young in 2008.

I'm assuming that you are being sarcastic, but this is an excellent trade by the White Sox. To get a lefty with some good upside for a reserve (and I like Gload) is a move with little/no downside - the White Sox still have an excellent bench with Mackowiak, Cintron, Ozuna, and most likely Ryan Sweeney in the OF.

I see this as a young, cocky 6'10 lefty with bad work habits--who, once the league figured out his one good pitch blew up with a 7 ERA---for a career .300 hitter who probably will contribute, because this is a presursor to other trades.I like this....getting rid of dead weight and bad attitudes in Burgos, Ru. Hernandez and Sisco all in 10 days time.

 

[the moops]

anyone else hear about the yankees possibly trading cabrer for mike gonzalez?

I heard that. Pitt also wants Proctor to be thrown in the deal.Not sure I like that deal if I am the Yankees. Gonzalez had some arm troubles last year. Proctor pitched 100 quality innings for the Yanks. Apparently it would also mean Bernie Williams comes back and is the 4th OFer.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

White Sox Trade Gload to Royals for Sisco

http://sports.iwon.com/news/12162006/v1611.html

CHICAGO (AP) -First baseman-outfielder Ross Gload was traded by the Chicago White Sox on Saturday to the Kansas City Royals for reliever Andrew Sisco, a 6-foot-10 left-hander.

Sisco has a 3-8 record and 4.85 ERA in 132 games the last two seasons with Kansas City. He was 1-3 with a 7.10 ERA in 65 games last year.

Gload batted .327 with three home runs and 18 RBI in 77 games with the White Sox in 2006. Last month he agreed to a one-year, $625,000 contract with Chicago.

Gload, a left-handed batter, hit .308 with 10 homers and 67 RBIs over three seasons as a backup for the White Sox. He's also been with the Chicago Cubs and Colorado.

The 23-year-old Sisco was originally chosen by the Cubs in the second round of the June 2001 draft and was a Rule 5 selection by the Royals in December 2004.

Most people will look right over this deal but this could be one of the worst trades/FA moves of the year. A hard throwing young lefty for a 4th OFer.

Sisco will probably win the Cy Young in 2008.

I'm assuming that you are being sarcastic, but this is an excellent trade by the White Sox. To get a lefty with some good upside for a reserve (and I like Gload) is a move with little/no downside - the White Sox still have an excellent bench with Mackowiak, Cintron, Ozuna, and most likely Ryan Sweeney in the OF.

I see this as a young, cocky 6'10 lefty with bad work habits--who, once the league figured out his one good pitch blew up with a 7 ERA---for a career .300 hitter who probably will contribute, because this is a presursor to other trades.I like this....getting rid of dead weight and bad attitudes in Burgos, Ru. Hernandez and Sisco all in 10 days time.

People will say I only like this trade for the Royals because I'm such a White Sox hater but Sisco sucked when I saw him the last two years. Gload is a nice solid player and the Royals know what they are getting. I think this is a risk/reward deal for the Sux and a no brainer for the Royals.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

anyone else hear about the yankees possibly trading cabrer for mike gonzalez?

I heard that. Pitt also wants Proctor to be thrown in the deal.Not sure I like that deal if I am the Yankees. Gonzalez had some arm troubles last year. Proctor pitched 100 quality innings for the Yanks. Apparently it would also mean Bernie Williams comes back and is the 4th OFer.

I'm pissed this is even a rumor.

 

[posty]

http://sports.iwon.com/news/12182006/v9721.html

Bonderman Agrees to $38 Million, 4-year Contract With Tigers

DETROIT (AP) -Pitcher Jeremy Bonderman and the Detroit Tigers agreed Monday to a $38 million, four-year contract.

Bonderman, who would have been eligible for free agency after the 2008 season, gets $4.5 million in 2007, $8.5 million in 2008 and $12.5 million in each of the following two seasons.

The 24-year-old right-hander was 14-8 with a 4.08 ERA and 202 strikeouts in 34 starts last season, when the Tigers finished with their first winning record since 1993 and won their first AL pennant since 1984. Bonderman was 1-0 with a 3.10 ERA in three postseason starts for Detroit, which lost the World Series to St. Louis in five games.

Bonderman is a holdover from the 2003 Tigers team that set an AL record with 119 losses. He went 6-19 that year, his rookie season.

 

[posty]

http://sports.iwon.com/news/12182006/v9737.html

Mariners Acquire Vidro From Washington for 2 Prospects

SEATTLE (AP) -The Mariners acquired Jose Vidro from the Washington Nationals in a deal finalized Monday, a move Seattle hopes will boost its anemic offense.

Seattle obtained the three-time All-Star along with cash for oft-injured outfielder Chris Snelling and right-hander Emiliano Fruto. The trade was agreed to last week, subject to the players passing physicals.

"Jose is a professional hitter," Mariners general manager Bill Bavasi said. "We feel we can add him to our batting order anywhere from the second- to the sixth-spot and he will add production to our lineup. With the addition of Vidro and Jose Guillen (a free agent signed earlier this month) to our returning players, I think we are a much stronger offensive team."

Vidro had been the longest-tenured players currently with the Expos-Nationals franchise, but has been slowed by leg injuries the past two seasons. He hit .289 with seven homers, 26 doubles and 47 RBIs last season, when he missed 36 games.

He is a career .301 hitter with 115 homers and 550 RBIs in 10 seasons, all in Montreal and Washington.

The switch-hitter is likely to become Seattle's designated hitter. Ben Broussard, a left-handed bat acquired in a trade with Cleveland last year to be the Mariners' DH, hit just .230 against right-handed pitching and just .238 overall after the trade.

Vidro is due $7.5 million next year and $8.5 million in 2008, and trading him fits with the Nationals' plan to lower the age of their roster.

"This deal gives us payroll flexibility both in 2007 and 2008, and it gives us a chance to acquire two young prospects who will have the opportunity to compete for roster spots in 2007 and 2008," Nationals general manager Jim Bowden said.

Vidro, who waived a no-trade clause, had a 2009 vesting option added to his contract as part of the deal. If the option doesn't become guaranteed, Vidro would receive a $500,000 payment.

Bowden said the deal was completed during the winter meetings. Vidro initially had some "geographic issues" with the trade, but got over those reservations.

"Playing in the American League will lengthen his career," Bowden said. "He's capable of hitting .300 this year and next year. He still has the ability to hit 15 home runs."

 

[posty]

http://sports.iwon.com/news/12182006/v9699.html

Marcus Giles, Padres Closing in on Deal

SAN DIEGO (AP) -Free agent second baseman Marcus Giles and the San Diego Padres were closing in on a deal that would allow him to play with his older brother, Brian, on their hometown team.

"We're putting in a lot of time and effort to get a deal done," Giles' agent, Joe Bick, said by phone from Cincinnati on Monday.

Bick declined to divulge details.

Padres general manager Kevin Towers also said the sides were nearing a deal.

The Giles brothers grew up in El Cajon, just east of San Diego.

Brian Giles, the Padres' right fielder, came over in a trade with Pittsburgh on Aug. 26, 2003.

The Braves declined to offer Marcus Giles a contract last week, deciding they could no longer afford him under their tightening budget.

Braves general manager John Schuerholz said he couldn't risk going to arbitration with Giles, who made $3.85 million in 2006 and likely would have commanded over $5 million for next season.

It's unclear how much he'd get from the Padres, and if he'd take the so-called San Diego Discount.

The 28-year-old Giles made the All-Star game in 2003, his first full season as a starter. He wound up hitting a career-best .316 with 21 homers and 69 RBIs - all career highs.

But Giles was plagued by injuries and clearly uncomfortable when the Braves moved him into the leadoff spot for 2006, seeking a replacement for Rafael Furcal. The second baseman slumped to .262 with 11 homers, 60 RBIs and 10 stolen bases, his disappointing season coinciding with the end of Atlanta's record streak of 14 straight division titles.

The Padres could ask Marcus Giles to bat leadoff to replace Dave Roberts, who left as a free agent and signed an $18 million, three-year deal with San Francisco.

The Padres traded second baseman Josh Barfield to the Cleveland Indians for infielder Kevin Kouzmanoff and right-hander Andrew Brown. Kouzmanoff is expected to play third.

The Padres also held onto second baseman Todd Walker when he accepting the team's offer of salary arbitration last week.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

http://sports.iwon.com/news/12182006/v9721.html

Bonderman Agrees to $38 Million, 4-year Contract With Tigers

DETROIT (AP) -Pitcher Jeremy Bonderman and the Detroit Tigers agreed Monday to a $38 million, four-year contract.

Bonderman, who would have been eligible for free agency after the 2008 season, gets $4.5 million in 2007, $8.5 million in 2008 and $12.5 million in each of the following two seasons.

The 24-year-old right-hander was 14-8 with a 4.08 ERA and 202 strikeouts in 34 starts last season, when the Tigers finished with their first winning record since 1993 and won their first AL pennant since 1984. Bonderman was 1-0 with a 3.10 ERA in three postseason starts for Detroit, which lost the World Series to St. Louis in five games.

Bonderman is a holdover from the 2003 Tigers team that set an AL record with 119 losses. He went 6-19 that year, his rookie season.

YES!

I guessed 5 for 45 last week. Not a bad deal at all.

 

[ThisGuy]

anyone else hear about the yankees possibly trading cabrer for mike gonzalez?

I heard that. Pitt also wants Proctor to be thrown in the deal.Not sure I like that deal if I am the Yankees. Gonzalez had some arm troubles last year. Proctor pitched 100 quality innings for the Yanks. Apparently it would also mean Bernie Williams comes back and is the 4th OFer.

I'm pissed this is even a rumor.

Melky is the goods. Proctor proved himself last year. maybe if Torre didn't use him every night, he would have been stronger down the stretch.

 

[Sammy3469]

anyone else hear about the yankees possibly trading cabrer for mike gonzalez?

I heard that. Pitt also wants Proctor to be thrown in the deal.Not sure I like that deal if I am the Yankees. Gonzalez had some arm troubles last year. Proctor pitched 100 quality innings for the Yanks. Apparently it would also mean Bernie Williams comes back and is the 4th OFer.

I'm pissed this is even a rumor.

Melky is the goods. Proctor proved himself last year. maybe if Torre didn't use him every night, he would have been stronger down the stretch.

granted he's only 21, but the guy has no POP

 

[PatsWillWin]

http://sports.iwon.com/news/12182006/v9721.html

Bonderman Agrees to $38 Million, 4-year Contract With Tigers

DETROIT (AP) -Pitcher Jeremy Bonderman and the Detroit Tigers agreed Monday to a $38 million, four-year contract.

Bonderman, who would have been eligible for free agency after the 2008 season, gets $4.5 million in 2007, $8.5 million in 2008 and $12.5 million in each of the following two seasons.

The 24-year-old right-hander was 14-8 with a 4.08 ERA and 202 strikeouts in 34 starts last season, when the Tigers finished with their first winning record since 1993 and won their first AL pennant since 1984. Bonderman was 1-0 with a 3.10 ERA in three postseason starts for Detroit, which lost the World Series to St. Louis in five games.

Bonderman is a holdover from the 2003 Tigers team that set an AL record with 119 losses. He went 6-19 that year, his rookie season.

YES!

I guessed 5 for 45 last week. Not a bad deal at all.

That's a ####### steal.

 

[ThisGuy]

anyone else hear about the yankees possibly trading cabrer for mike gonzalez?

I heard that. Pitt also wants Proctor to be thrown in the deal.Not sure I like that deal if I am the Yankees. Gonzalez had some arm troubles last year. Proctor pitched 100 quality innings for the Yanks. Apparently it would also mean Bernie Williams comes back and is the 4th OFer.

I'm pissed this is even a rumor.

Melky is the goods. Proctor proved himself last year. maybe if Torre didn't use him every night, he would have been stronger down the stretch.

granted he's only 21, but the guy has no POP

It will come. I don't think he'll ever hit 30 hrs, but 15-20HR and a BA around .320 is plenty good enough. Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera will be a lot of fun to watch for a lot of years to come!

 

[whoknew]

http://sports.iwon.com/news/12182006/v9721.html

Bonderman Agrees to $38 Million, 4-year Contract With Tigers

DETROIT (AP) -Pitcher Jeremy Bonderman and the Detroit Tigers agreed Monday to a $38 million, four-year contract.

Bonderman, who would have been eligible for free agency after the 2008 season, gets $4.5 million in 2007, $8.5 million in 2008 and $12.5 million in each of the following two seasons.

The 24-year-old right-hander was 14-8 with a 4.08 ERA and 202 strikeouts in 34 starts last season, when the Tigers finished with their first winning record since 1993 and won their first AL pennant since 1984. Bonderman was 1-0 with a 3.10 ERA in three postseason starts for Detroit, which lost the World Series to St. Louis in five games.

Bonderman is a holdover from the 2003 Tigers team that set an AL record with 119 losses. He went 6-19 that year, his rookie season.

YES!

I guessed 5 for 45 last week. Not a bad deal at all.

That's a ####### steal.

Wow. That's an extremely good deal.

 

[ThisGuy]

Yanks reach agreement with Igawa on a 5 year/$46 million deal. Of course, if you live in Boston, the posting fee doesn't count since it's probably from a double secret slush fund designed to promote baseball on Mars, or it's $$ that George had set aside to purchase Pluto from the solar system, so it's really only 5 years/ $20 million.

 

[wilked]

If you think is it 5 for 46 you have no concept of what Luxury Tax means

That said, reasonable deal for the Yankees, not a bad signing

 

[ThisGuy]

If you think is it 5 for 46 you have no concept of what Luxury Tax meansThat said, reasonable deal for the Yankees, not a bad signing

They are using MatsuiMoney

 

[pettifogger]

http://sports.iwon.com/news/12182006/v9737.html

Mariners Acquire Vidro From Washington for 2 Prospects

SEATTLE (AP) -The Mariners acquired Jose Vidro from the Washington Nationals in a deal finalized Monday, a move Seattle hopes will boost its anemic offense.

Seattle obtained the three-time All-Star along with cash for oft-injured outfielder Chris Snelling and right-hander Emiliano Fruto. The trade was agreed to last week, subject to the players passing physicals.

"Jose is a professional hitter," Mariners general manager Bill Bavasi said. "We feel we can add him to our batting order anywhere from the second- to the sixth-spot and he will add production to our lineup. With the addition of Vidro and Jose Guillen (a free agent signed earlier this month) to our returning players, I think we are a much stronger offensive team."

Vidro had been the longest-tenured players currently with the Expos-Nationals franchise, but has been slowed by leg injuries the past two seasons. He hit .289 with seven homers, 26 doubles and 47 RBIs last season, when he missed 36 games.

He is a career .301 hitter with 115 homers and 550 RBIs in 10 seasons, all in Montreal and Washington.

The switch-hitter is likely to become Seattle's designated hitter. Ben Broussard, a left-handed bat acquired in a trade with Cleveland last year to be the Mariners' DH, hit just .230 against right-handed pitching and just .238 overall after the trade.

Vidro is due $7.5 million next year and $8.5 million in 2008, and trading him fits with the Nationals' plan to lower the age of their roster.

"This deal gives us payroll flexibility both in 2007 and 2008, and it gives us a chance to acquire two young prospects who will have the opportunity to compete for roster spots in 2007 and 2008," Nationals general manager Jim Bowden said.

Vidro, who waived a no-trade clause, had a 2009 vesting option added to his contract as part of the deal. If the option doesn't become guaranteed, Vidro would receive a $500,000 payment.

Bowden said the deal was completed during the winter meetings. Vidro initially had some "geographic issues" with the trade, but got over those reservations.

"Playing in the American League will lengthen his career," Bowden said. "He's capable of hitting .300 this year and next year. He still has the ability to hit 15 home runs."

As an A's fan I love seeing the M's tie up $8-9M a year on a 32 year old hitter whose slugging percentage over the last 5 years has gone .490, .470, .454, .424, .395. He has the "ability" to hit 15 homers, arguably, but he hit 14 combined over 772 ABs in the last two years. It fits in nicely with their bloated contracts for Sexson and Beltre.

 

[cubd8]

Sox ship McCarthy to Texas

Land 2 prized prospects in return

By Mark Gonzales

Tribune staff reporter

December 23, 2006, 1:29 PM CST

In their never-ending quest for more young pitching, the White Sox shook up their staff Saturday by trading 23-year-old Brandon McCarthy to Texas for prized pitching prospects John Danks and Nick Masset.

The two teams also will swap two lower-level minor league players.

Danks, a 21-year-old left-hander, was ranked as the Rangers' top pitching prospect by Baseball America. Masset, 24, was ranked eighth. The trade comes after the Sox heavily scouted the Rangers' farm system last summer in an attempt to fortify their pitching depth.

"It kind of comes around at this time every year," Danks said of the trade rumors, shortly after a telephone conversation with Sox general manager Kenny Williams. "I got a little callous to it. But for it to happen, it sets you into shock.

"I'm excited and ready to move on to hopefuly a successful year."

The acquisition of McCarthy, 23, shouldn't affect the Rangers' attempts at landing marquee free-agent left-hander Barry Zito. McCarthy was regarded as one of the Sox's top pitchers of the future, but he was uncomfortable in a relief role as well as the possibility he would start the 2007 season at Triple-A Charlotte if he didn't win a spot in the rotation.

The trading of McCarthy, however, is a mild surprise since he isn't eligible for salary arbitration until after the 2008 season. The Sox were believed to be more inclined to deal Javier Vazquez, who is arbitration-eligible after 2007, or left-hander Mark Buehrle, who can become a free agent next winter.

The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Danks is expected to compete with newly-acquired Gavin Floyd for a spot in the rotation. Danks was the ninth overall selection in the 2003 draft, six picks ahead of Sox center fielder Brian Anderson. He was a combined 9-9 at Triple-A Oklahoma and Double-A Frisco, striking out 154 in 140 innings. Danks possesses a 93-mph fastball, a sharp curve and changeup and is projected as a front-of-the-rotation starter.

Danks had a 2.32 ERA in his final six starts for Oklahoma.

Masset, 6-4, 190, can start as well as relieve, but his fastball has been clocked in the high 90-mph range as a reliever. He is tied for the Mexican Pacific League with 15 saves for Mazatlan, posting a 2.61 ERA with 22 strikeouts and two walks in 20 2/3 innings.

Masset had a 4.15 ERA in eight appearances with the Rangers. He was 4-5 with a 4.81 ERA at Oklahoma and 2-2 with a 2.06 ERA in eight starts for Frisco. He struck out 105 but walked 48 in 115 innings combined.

The Sox have had a friendly association with the Danks family dating back to the summer of 2005 when they drafted younger brother Jordan Danks, who is a sophomore outfielder at the University of Texas.

Danks would have been a first or second-round pick had he not informed teams of his commitment to the Longhorns. The Sox selected the younger Danks in the 19th round in case he changed his mind.

The Sox's rotation currently is comprised of Jose Contreras, John Garland, Buehrle, Vazquez and Floyd or Danks, who isn't required to be placed on the 40-man roster because he has only four years of professional experience. The trade gives the Sox more insurance in the likely event Buehrle leaves for free agency after the 2007 season.

McCarthy was 4-7 with a 4.68 ERA in 53 appearances last season. He made only two starts, pitching 5 1/3 innings of one-run ball while striking out eight at Cleveland on Sept. 27.

The 6-foot-7, 200-pound McCarthy said earlier this month he had added 10 pounds of muscle in Phoenix under the supervision of physical therapist and trainer Brett Fischer, whose clients include five-time Cy Young Award winner Randy Johnson and American League All-Star closer Joe Nathan and Seattle Pro Bowl linebacker Lofa Tatupu.

McCarthy's stock soared in the spring of 2005 when he nearly made the opening day roster. He struggled through the first half of the 2005 season until he altered his arm angle at the suggestion of Charlotte pitching coach Juan Nieves.

McCarthy responded by posting a 3-1 record and 1.69 ERA in seven games after being recalled from Charlotte on Aug. 30. He pitched 7 2/3 scoreless innings for his first major league win at Texas that day, then beat Boston ace Curt Schilling in his next start at Fenway Park.

McCarthy had a scoreless streak of 21 innings as a starter during his final promotion and bailed out the Sox during their September stretch drive after the ineffectiveness of Orlando Hernandez.

The Sox now have added five pitchers -- left-handers Andrew Sisco, Gio Gonzalez and Danks and right-handers Masset and Floyd -- while losing 17-game winner Freddy Garcia and McCarthy and backup first baseman Ross Gload this month.

They also added David Aardsma, another 2003 first-round pick, and minor league left-hander Carlos Vazquez in a trade last month with the Cubs for left-handed reliever Neal Cotts.

 

[Limp Ditka]

This Danks kid better be Cy ####### Young

signed,

Irate White Sox Fan

 

[Green94]

WTF - anyone know if this trade is a prelude to something bigger?

 

[MrPhoenix]

This Danks kid better be Cy ####### Youngsigned,Irate White Sox Fan

Danks could be a pretty damn good starting pitcher.

 

[Bluesbomber]

I wouldn't be surprised to see Charlie Haeger win the 5th starting spot on the White Sox next year.

 

[cubd8]

WTF - anyone know if this trade is a prelude to something bigger?

Probably Mark Buerhle eventually being traded as well.

 

[Billy Bats]

McCarthy traded????

 

[Darth Cheney]

Yanks reach agreement with Igawa on a 5 year/$46 million deal. Of course, if you live in Boston, the posting fee doesn't count since it's probably from a double secret slush fund designed to promote baseball on Mars, or it's $$ that George had set aside to purchase Pluto from the solar system, so it's really only 5 years/ $20 million.

Actually with all the new Japanese fans and the merchandise, YES network subscriptions, trips to Yankee Stadium and extra concessions the Yanks will get as a result of this and Matsui.....it's probably more like 5 years/10 million. THEN....figure in all the extra Chinese money that the Yanks get from Wang and all the Cuban money the Yanks will get from Miranda. Big Stein's probably only going to pay 19.95 out of his pocket for this team.

 

[Regular Crust Pizza]

This Danks kid better be Cy ####### Youngsigned,Irate White Sox Fan

I thought this was a good move for Chicago, from what I've seen I'd rather have Danks than McCarthy.

 

[Limp Ditka]

This Danks kid better be Cy ####### Youngsigned,Irate White Sox Fan

I thought this was a good move for Chicago, from what I've seen I'd rather have Danks than McCarthy.

It might be a good move for Chicago. I just don't understand the thinking behind it.Every trade that didn't happen as the trade deadline approached last year, trades that would have netted proven big league talent, was squashed because BM was "untouchable" according to Kenny Williams. And while the trade might work out for the Sox in the long run, to turn around a mere 5 months after the trade deadline and move your "untouchable" asset for prospects is baffling.

 

[MrPhoenix]

WTF - anyone know if this trade is a prelude to something bigger?

Probably Mark Buerhle eventually being traded as well.

Buerhle hasn't been shy about wanting to go back to his hometown of St. Louis.

 

[George Jefferson Airplane]

This Danks kid better be Cy ####### Youngsigned,Irate White Sox Fan

I thought this was a good move for Chicago, from what I've seen I'd rather have Danks than McCarthy.

It might be a good move for Chicago. I just don't understand the thinking behind it.Every trade that didn't happen as the trade deadline approached last year, trades that would have netted proven big league talent, was squashed because BM was "untouchable" according to Kenny Williams. And while the trade might work out for the Sox in the long run, to turn around a mere 5 months after the trade deadline and move your "untouchable" asset for prospects is baffling.

It's probably a good long-term deal but trading a ready pitcher like McCarthy who was supposed to step in and contribute nicely this coming year makes you have to wonder. Think it was a good deal for both teams but better for the Rangers. I'm always of the mindset that a pitching prospect is just that, a prospect and there are very few guarantees. It's taking a chance and when you trade a guy who is ready to start and be pretty good and is only 23, I'd be a little nervous as a fan. Who knows though. Could be brilliant.

 

[Mr. Know-It-All]

WTF - anyone know if this trade is a prelude to something bigger?

Probably Mark Buerhle eventually being traded as well.

Please, please, please. We'll give you young up and comer Mark Mulder for Buehrle. We woudl have offered you Jason Marquis for a warm bag of poo, but your crosstown Cubbies already took him off our hands.

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

Please, please, please. We'll give you young up and comer Mark Mulder for Buehrle. We woudl have offered you Jason Marquis for a warm bag of poo, but your crosstown Cubbies already took him off our hands.

C'mon now.Chicago is holding out for Donovan Osborne or Bob Tewksbury.

 

[MrPhoenix]

Please, please, please. We'll give you young up and comer Mark Mulder for Buehrle. We woudl have offered you Jason Marquis for a warm bag of poo, but your crosstown Cubbies already took him off our hands.

C'mon now.Chicago is holding out for Donovan Osborne or Bob Tewksbury.

Sorry. Ken Hill or Todd Zeile is all you're getting, bud. If you want Pagnozzi, we want Karkovice thrown in.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

I'm OK with the deal.... two promising pitchers for one.

It's not like McCarthey was lights out good.

He's gonna give up plenty of gopher balls down in Texas.

This deal greases the skids for the exit of Buerhle this year or next - no doubt about it.