Official MLB offseason thread

[valp0guy]

Early Sunday Night Baseball schedule:

April 4 - Yankees at Boston
April 11 - Cardinals at Milwaukee
April 18 - Mets at Cardinals
April 25 - Braves at Mets
May 2 - Mets at Phillies
May 9 - Yankees at Red Sox
May 16 - Phillies at Brewers
May 23 - Yankees at Mets
May 30 - Rangers at Twins
June 6-27 - TBD
July 4 - Royals at Angels
July 11 - Cubs at Dodgers
July 18 - Phillies at Cubs

WTF?

[valp0guy]

On a somewhat related note, why are the Yanks opening on the road?

[bigazzturkeylegs]

Whatever happened with the Twins/Thome rumors?

JI

JIM THOME signed with them today, 1 year/1.5 mil.
The Twins are gonna have a pretty filthy lineup against righties.

[TH1974]

On a somewhat related note, why are the Yanks opening on the road?

Who gives a shit?

[Verbal]

Other signings of note:

Brad Ausmus - Dodgers
Jon Garland - Padres
Chad Tracy - Cubs (minor league deal w/ incentives for making roster/at-bats)
Matt Stairs - Padres
Rich Hill - Cardinals (minor league deal w/ invite to spring training)
Ronnie Belliard - Dodgers
Jason Giambi - Rockies
Jose Contreras - Phillies
Chris Duncan - Nationals
Tyler Walker - Nationals
Chuck James - Nationals (minor league deal)
Miguel Tejada - Orioles
Mark Loretta - announced retirement

[RiotFan]

Other signings of note:

Brad Ausmus - Dodgers
Jon Garland - Padres
Chad Tracy - Cubs (minor league deal w/ incentives for making roster/at-bats)
Matt Stairs - Padres
Rich Hill - Cardinals (minor league deal w/ invite to spring training)
Ronnie Belliard - Dodgers
Jason Giambi - Rockies
Jose Contreras - Phillies
Chris Duncan - Nationals
Tyler Walker - Nationals
Chuck James - Nationals (minor league deal)
Miguel Tejada - Orioles
Mark Loretta - announced retirement

F'er will throw a no-no against the Cubs this year. Mark it down.

[valp0guy]

On a somewhat related note, why are the Yanks opening on the road?

Who gives a shit?

suck cock

[Debit One]

Ben Sheets gets a $10M deal for this season? WTF?

I guess that after watching the guy pitch about 12 games per season for Milwaukee, and go on the DL for things like dizziness, hangnails, GERD, and halitosis, I'm a bit skeptical as to his toughness.

Also, if you are going to sign him, what is the point of the one year deal? Does anyone think that he is going to put up #s this season worth $10M? If he does the A's will lose him in the off-season. If he doesn't, they overpaid.

[valp0guy]

Ben Sheets gets a $10M deal for this season? WTF?

I guess that after watching the guy pitch about 12 games per season for Milwaukee, and go on the DL for things like dizziness, hangnails, GERD, and halitosis, I'm a bit skeptical as to his toughness.

Also, if you are going to sign him, what is the point of the one year deal? Does anyone think that he is going to put up #s this season worth $10M? If he does the A's will lose him in the off-season. If he doesn't, they overpaid.

If he pitches well, they trade him and get good draft picks/prospects.

If he pitches poorly, they let him sign elsewhere next year and get the likely type A compensated draft pick for him.

[Verbal]

Bump for scottsdale:

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/01/mariners-sign-eric-byrnes.html

[01BizGrad]

Edmonds signed a minor league deal w/ the Brewers. I know there are a couple Brewer guys on here... whatcha think?

[scottsdalehawk]

Bump for scottsdale:

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/01/mariners-sign-eric-byrnes.html

Good lucky Byrnsie, by all accounts a great guy, not his fault the D-backs gave him one of the worst contracts in MLB history.

[Mo T]

Edmonds signed a minor league deal w/ the Brewers. I know there are a couple Brewer guys on here... whatcha think?

That's right up the Brewer's alley. Trying to catch lightening in a bottle. But, it's not going to happen. Signing him makes sense if you are already a pennant contender. The Brewers are not.

[Verbal]

Edmonds signed a minor league deal w/ the Brewers. I know there are a couple Brewer guys on here... whatcha think?

That's right up the Brewer's alley. Trying to catch lightening in a bottle. But, it's not going to happen. Signing him makes sense if you are already a pennant contender. The Brewers are not.

It's a minor league deal. They don't even have to clear a spot on the 40-man for him. If he doesn't get it done in spring training, they can pull the plug at very little cost.

[Verbal]

Kevin Millar is still alive, and has apparently signed with the Cubs on a minor league deal:

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/02/cubs-to-sign-kevin-millar.html

In other weekend news, Orlando Cabrera is headed to Cincy, Ryan Garko to the Mariners, Gabe Gross to the A's, and former Cub Reed Johnson is close to signing with the Dodgers.

[bigazzturkeylegs]

Sources: Mauer, Twins Agree To 10-Year Contract

http://wcco.com/sports/twins/joe.mauer.minnesota.2.1462891.html


Now please go get Hudson.

[01BizGrad]

Edmonds signed a minor league deal w/ the Brewers. I know there are a couple Brewer guys on here... whatcha think?

That's right up the Brewer's alley. Trying to catch lightening in a bottle. But, it's not going to happen. Signing him makes sense if you are already a pennant contender. The Brewers are not.
I think you are correct. He would have been better off signing with the Yankees. I think the guy can still launch the ball, still has an arm, but is probably has questionable range.

[Perham1]

Other signings of note:

Brad Ausmus - Dodgers
Jon Garland - Padres
Chad Tracy - Cubs (minor league deal w/ incentives for making roster/at-bats)
Matt Stairs - Padres
Rich Hill - Cardinals (minor league deal w/ invite to spring training)
Ronnie Belliard - Dodgers
Jason Giambi - Rockies
Jose Contreras - Phillies
Chris Duncan - Nationals
Tyler Walker - Nationals
Chuck James - Nationals (minor league deal)
Miguel Tejada - Orioles
Mark Loretta - announced retirement

Just wondering, but how is Ausmus' siging a "signing of note"?

[Verbal]

Other signings of note:

Brad Ausmus - Dodgers
Jon Garland - Padres
Chad Tracy - Cubs (minor league deal w/ incentives for making roster/at-bats)
Matt Stairs - Padres
Rich Hill - Cardinals (minor league deal w/ invite to spring training)
Ronnie Belliard - Dodgers
Jason Giambi - Rockies
Jose Contreras - Phillies
Chris Duncan - Nationals
Tyler Walker - Nationals
Chuck James - Nationals (minor league deal)
Miguel Tejada - Orioles
Mark Loretta - announced retirement

Just wondering, but how is Ausmus' siging a "signing of note"?

Familiar name. You're right, there's nothing particularly noteworthy about it.

[bigazzturkeylegs]

Sources: Mauer, Twins Agree To 10-Year Contract

http://wcco.com/sports/twins/joe.mauer.minnesota.2.1462891.html



Or not.

http://twitter.com/Buster_ESPN/statuses/8514382779

Am told by source close to the Twins that the report of a preliminary 10-year agreement with Mauer is not accurate.

[Verbal]

Kevin Gregg signed with the Blue Jays
Guillermo Mota signed with the Giants
Alfredo Amezaga signed with the Dodgers
Derrick Turnbow and Seth McClung signed with the Marlins
Dana Eveland and Wily Taveras DFA'd by the Athletics
Horacio Ramirez signed with the Giants
Byung-Hyun Kim signed a minor league deal with the Giants
Aaron Miles trade from A's to Reds before ever playing for A's

[IowaWigman]

Sounds like the Twins are real close (if they haven't already) to signing Orlando Hudson: http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/02/orlando-hudson-rumors-thursday.html

[bigazzturkeylegs]

Sounds like the Twins are real close (if they haven't already) to signing Orlando Hudson: http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/02/orlando-hudson-rumors-thursday.html
Really hope this happens. A lineup of:

CF Span
2B Hudson
C Mauer
1B Morneau
RF Cuddyer
DH Kubel
SS Hardy
LF Young
3B Harris

would be pretty filthy. Punto will probably get most of the starts at 3b over Harris though.

[bigazzturkeylegs]

And as I post that it becomes official.

It's official: Twins set to announce they have signed Orlando Hudson to a one-year, $5 million deal.http://twitter.com/JoeCStrib/status/8662634166

Aw yeah.

[valp0guy]

Sounds like the Twins are real close (if they haven't already) to signing Orlando Hudson: http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/02/orlando-hudson-rumors-thursday.html
Really hope this happens. A lineup of:

CF Span
2B Hudson
C Mauer
1B Morneau
RF Cuddyer
DH Kubel
SS Hardy
LF Young
3B Harris

would be pretty filthy. Punto will probably get most of the starts at 3b over Harris though.

Maybe that's "AL Central" filthy, but not scared.

[bigazzturkeylegs]

Maybe that's "AL Central" filthy, but not scared.
It'd be the best Twins lineup in a LONG time.

[valp0guy]

Maybe that's "AL Central" filthy, but not scared.
It'd be the best Twins lineup in a LONG time.

That's not saying much.

[bigazzturkeylegs]

Maybe that's "AL Central" filthy, but not scared.
It'd be the best Twins lineup in a LONG time.

That's not saying much.
No, but they've had plenty of success with what they've put out there before.

[Verbal]

1 month from today...

http://redsintern.mlblogs.com/greetingsST_AZ2.jpg

Bump. 10 days, boys. Now that all the nauseating Super Bowl bullshit is behind us, I can smell it.

[Verbal]

Here's a list of remaining free agents by position, with their age and type A/B status, if applicable. Lot of guys are going to be retiring earlier than planned, or will go play in Japan/Mexico. Some may accept minor league assignments if invited to spring training on a minor league deal, but probably not many.

Catchers
Paul Bako (38)
Rod Barajas (34) - Type B, offered arb
Michael Barrett (33)
Jose Molina (35)
Javier Valentin (34)

First basemen
Rich Aurilia (38)
Hank Blalock (29)
Russell Branyan (34)
Tony Clark (38)
Carlos Delgado (38) - Type B, not offered arb
Nomar Garciaparra (36)
Mike Jacobs (29)
Daryle Ward (35)
Dmitri Young (36)

Second basemen
Felipe Lopez (30) - Type B, not offered arb
Pablo Ozuna (35)

Shortstops
Chris Gomez (39)

Third basemen
Rich Aurilia (38)
Aaron Boone (37)
Joe Crede (32)
Nomar Garciaparra (36)
Pablo Ozuna (35)
Robb Quinlan (33)

Left fielders
Garret Anderson (38) - Type B, not offered arb
Marlon Anderson (36)
Emil Brown (35)
Johnny Damon (36) - Type A, not offered arb
David Dellucci (36)
Cliff Floyd (37)
Jonny Gomes (29)
Greg Norton (37)
Wily Mo Pena (28)
Gary Sheffield (41)

Center fielders
Rocco Baldelli (28)
Endy Chavez (32)
Darin Erstad (36)
Ryan Freel (34)
Willy Taveras (28)

Right fielders
Jermaine Dye (36) - Type A, not offered arb
Jonny Gomes (29)
Geoff Jenkins (35)

Designated hitters
Hank Blalock (29)
Mike Jacobs (29)
Gary Sheffield (41)
Mike Sweeney (36)

Starting pitchers
Brandon Backe (32)
Cha Seung Baek (30)
Kris Benson (34)
Paul Byrd (39)
Bartolo Colon (37)
Adam Eaton (32)
Tom Glavine (44)
Mike Hampton (37)
Livan Hernandez (35)
Jason Jennings (31)
Jason Johnson (36)
Braden Looper (35) - Type B, not offered arb
Noah Lowry (29)
Pedro Martinez (38)
Eric Milton (34)
Dustin Moseley (28)
Mark Mulder (32)
Odalis Perez (33)
Sidney Ponson (33)
Mark Prior (28)
Jason Schmidt (37)
John Smoltz (43)
Brett Tomko (37)
Chien-Ming Wang (30)
Jarrod Washburn (35)
Todd Wellemeyer (31)
Kip Wells (33)

Closers
Mike MacDougal (33)

Right-handed relievers
Joaquin Benoit (32)
Chad Bradford (35)
Kiko Calero (35) - Type B, not offered arb
Eric Gagne (34)
Edgar Gonzalez (27)
Tom Gordon (42)
Jason Isringhausen (37)
Jorge Julio (31)
Chan Ho Park (37) - Type B, not offered arb
Tomo Ohka (34)
Troy Percival (40)
Duaner Sanchez (30)
Rudy Seanez (41)
Russ Springer (41) - Type B, not offered arb
Julian Tavarez (37)
Luis Vizcaino (35)
David Weathers (40) - Type B, not offered arb

Left-handed relievers
John Bale (36)
Joe Beimel (32) - Type B, not offered arb
Alan Embree (40)
Ron Mahay (39)
Glendon Rusch (35)
Ron Villone (40)
Jamie Walker (38)

[Verbal]

Bump.

3 days, gentlemen.

[Edgecrusher7711]

Bump.

3 days, gentlemen.

Woo hoo!

[cjhawks]

Bump.

3 days, gentlemen.

it moved

[Lime]

We've begun, boys.

Pirates taking it to State College of Florida Manatee–Sarasota, 6-0 (at least they can beat a JUCO).

Braves and Mets starting.

[Mo T]

Strasburg most likely to start in the minors.

[Pseudonym]

Pirates and Marshalltown native Clement gets crasch course at 1st base (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/nl/2010-03-01-4162681909_x.htm)

[Mo T]

Clement, the prospect that will never pan out.....

[cjhawks]

Clement, the prospect that will never pan out.....

I kind of think he got a raw deal in Seattle. The reason Johjima was signed and kept Clement in the minors was due in large part to the Japanese ownership of the Mariners.

But if he can't make a go of it in Pittsburgh, even after switching positions, I'm not sure he'll have success anywhere else.

[Mo T]

Pittsburgh is a hard place to make a smash. His success will be at the plate and there isn't much around that lineup to help.

[Verbal]

Clement, the prospect that will never pan out.....

I kind of think he got a raw deal in Seattle. The reason Johjima was signed and kept Clement in the minors was due in large part to the Japanese ownership of the Mariners.

But if he can't make a go of it in Pittsburgh, even after switching positions, I'm not sure he'll have success anywhere else.

Might be ironic when he finally has some success...in Japan.

[cjhawks]

Pittsburgh is a hard place to make a smash. His success will be at the plate and there isn't much around that lineup to help.

I agree. He's best suited in the AL somewhere, strictly as a DH.

[Mo T]

This may be his last year to give it a good shot. Turning 27 this year, it's now or never. (Unless you are Matt Stairs)

[Pseudonym]

Umm, Casey Blake anybody? He had a long run in the minors

[Mo T]

Of course it can happen at a late age. But for 99.9% of people who play professional baseball, if it doesn't happen by 27, it's not going to.

[Pseudonym]

Since I grew up with Jeff AND I was raised a huge Pirates fan, I'm really rooting for his success this year. Plus the short porch in right at PNC park is perfect for a lefty power hitter.

[cjhawks]

Fuuuuuuuuuddddddggggggggeeeeee


Twins closer Joe Nathan possibly done for the year w/ a torn UCL in the elbow. He's planning on resting it for 2 weeks then trying to pitch. If he can't, he'll be having TJ surgery.

Huge blow to the Twins. Hopefully someone can step in and effectively fill the closer spot. I'd rather not go with the "closer by committee" philosophy.

[bigazzturkeylegs]

Hopefully someone can step in and effectively fill the closer spot. I'd rather not go with the "closer by committee" philosophy.

I can already see Gardy putting Crain out there. FML

[Match34]

Fuuuuuuuuuddddddggggggggeeeeee


Twins closer Joe Nathan possibly done for the year w/ a torn UCL in the elbow. He's planning on resting it for 2 weeks then trying to pitch. If he can't, he'll be having TJ surgery.

Huge blow to the Twins. Hopefully someone can step in and effectively fill the closer spot. I'd rather not go with the "closer by committee" philosophy.

I think they'll have to take a shot with Guerrier. And if he doesn't work out, http://www.globalfriendsonline.com/Smileys/sanna/smiley_panic.gif

[cjhawks]

Hopefully someone can step in and effectively fill the closer spot. I'd rather not go with the "closer by committee" philosophy.

I can already see Gardy putting Crain out there. FML

I see either Neshek or Rauch getting the first chance at it.

After the past couple seasons, even Gardy's not dumb enough to throw Crain out there.

[Verbal]

Hopefully someone can step in and effectively fill the closer spot. I'd rather not go with the "closer by committee" philosophy.

I can already see Gardy putting Crain out there. FML

Jason Isringhausen is available on the cheap. Another intriguing option would be John Smoltz.

[bigazzturkeylegs]

I guess Heath Bell and Jason Frasor are still available. Bell would be nice but IDK that Frasor would be an upgrade over Rauch/Neshek/Guerrier.

[01BizGrad]

At least they still have a month to figure it out. Sucks though.