2005-2006 MLB Offseason thread

[Failed Bridge 0]

Seriously, FFMS, you're not the guru of baseball. Al's closer to it than you, so you can just go away, ok?

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It would be interesting to see somebody disagree on some things with Al rather than dangle off his nuts all the time. His scrotum must be in alot of pain.

 

Beckett left a couple starts this season with blisters and one with an abdominal strain. In 2004 he did nothing but leave games due to blisters. Try looking things up before taking Al's word for the gospel.

[mike546 0]

Well, I've tried arguing with Al before, but I always lost. So I just stopped trying.

 

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link

 

MIAMI -- Florida Marlins right-hander Josh Beckett went on the disabled list Friday for the ninth time in four seasons, a move that will have him miss two starts.

 

Beckett has a strained left oblique muscle. He was on the disabled list from June 15-30 with a finger blister.

 

The move is retroactive to Wednesday. Beckett is projected to rejoin the rotation for the Marlins' series at Arizona on July 18-20, manager Jack McKeon said.

 

Beckett, who is 8-6 with a 3.35 ERA, left Tuesday's game against Milwaukee in the third inning and was scratched from his next scheduled start Sunday. Placing him on the DL means he'll miss another start as well.

 

"It's better to have him for the last two months than to have him reinjure the thing and be out three or four more weeks," McKeon said. "Why not play it safe?"

 

Left-hander Al Leiter will start for Beckett on Sunday against the Chicago Cubs.

 

Right-hander Randy Messenger was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque to take Beckett's spot on the roster.

 

June 14th against the Cubs he had to leave early because of the blister and then was placed on the DL.

 

link

 

Marlins starter Josh Beckett (7-5) allowed four runs and six hits in 5 1/3 innings before being forced to leave with a blister on his right middle finger -- a problem that has plagued him in his career.

 

Beckett, the 2003 World Series MVP, has been on the disabled list seven times, five because of blisters on the middle finger of his pitching hand. He has tried numerous remedies for the recurring problem.

 

Oh noes! Al was wrong! The galaxy is going to crumble~!

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

Seriously, FFMS, you're not the guru of baseball. Al's closer to it than you, so you can just go away, ok?

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It would be interesting to see somebody disagree on some things with Al rather than dangle off his nuts all the time. His scrotum must be in alot of pain.

 

 

It's only interesting if the person disagreeing actually knew what he was talking about. You do not.

[Failed Bridge 0]

and yet I proved one thing he had to say wrong on the previous post.

 

I enjoy talking to Al quite a bit, I just don't enjoy the people that cling from his testis and can't formulate their own thoughts.

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

When people who don't know all the statistics of baseball and whatnot come in this folder, they see Alkeiper's posts full of statistics and an inner knowledge of baseball that they have the misfortune of lacking, they're going to rely on his opinion. When he has been slamming you 9 times out of 10 (Wow you were right about a blister, OMG!!!), don't cry when people rely on his opinion more than yours. Besides you sucked in the mock NFL draft thread too, so your stock is real low right now.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

When I looked through Beckett's game logs, I looked for starts where he went 4 innings or less, and left due to injury. The only such occurance was the abdominal strain. I missed the blister game. Ok, I was off by one. Now, is Beckett a fragile pitcher who frequently leaves games early? 20 of his 26 starts were quality starts (6+ IP, 3 ER or less), a percentage in the top 30 of the league. He averaged 97 pitches a start, equal to Astros' starter Andy Pettitte, and also in the top 30. By nearly any measure, he was one of the top 15 starters in the league.

 

The blister problem is scenery. What it doesn't answer is how Blalock can be a better player than Beckett. The only way Blalock wins out is on playing time. This is a poor trade for the Marlins, and I think it confirms to me what a scumbag Jeffrey Loria is. Every team in baseball is awash in money thanks to the ESPN and XM Radio deals, and he's still looking to cut costs.

[Failed Bridge 0]

watch out Al, your scrotem's getting tugged on pretty hard here.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

And let's try to keep this from a flame war.

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

I'm not flaming anyone. I merely explained why people would tend to side with Al about baseball. Look at all those baseball threads where people ask Al questions about baseball. I don't recall anyone asking FFMS a damn thing. But hey I must be on Al's balls because FFMS can't formulate a real argument. That's the last I will say about this matter.

[Mik 0]

I came up with my own opinion - presenting ideas that had nothing to do with anything Al said, yet I'm still dangling from his nuts? Just because we happen to agree?

 

Right.

[Failed Bridge 0]

When did I say Blalock was a better player than Beckett? I said they're about equal in value and a one for one trade would be fine.

 

Blalock has issues with his power away from Texas, but that can change. Beckett has been on the DL 9 times in 4 years. Both are very talented but haven't been able to put everything together because of their short comings.

 

Blalock has also played in a division known for tough pitching via the Angels, A's and sometimes the Mariners. Move him to the NL East which isn't as strong pitching wise as it once was and he'll do better. The only pitchers tht have given him trouble in that division are Tim Hudson and Billy Wagner (if he stays in that division). Tom Glavine might give him problems as well since he doesn't fair too well against lefties. He's not going to have to face Bartolo Colon (6-34 with 10Ks), Rich Harden (3-21 with 8Ks), Ricardo Rincon (3-19 with 4Ks), Kirk Sarloos (2-12), Barry Zito (6-29 with 7Ks), Shigetoshi Hasegawa (3-16), Jamie Moyer (7-32), Joel Piniero (5-36 with 13Ks). Now he might not put up great numbers at Florida but he should do quite well in the games he'll be playing at Alanta and Philli as both of those are launching pads.

 

On to Beckett. He's got great stuff but has never stayed healthy enough to utilise it. As I said previously he's been on the DL 9 times in 4 seasons. Not to mention he's never pitched over 200 innings in a season and the closest he's come to that is 178 2/3ip this past season. Before that he had 156 2/3 in 04, 142 in 03, and 107 2/3 in 02. He did well in the 03 playoffs but Derek Lowe did very well in the 04 playoffs. You can't look at a small sampling and proclaim the guy an ace. Beckett needs to be able to pitch 200 innings and make 32-34 starts along with going into the playoffs.

 

a one for one trade would have been fine for both as it gives them each a player with the potential (potential being the key word) to add something they've been missing (Florida with a young power threat that can compliment Miguel Cabrera, Becket a young pitcher that could be a legit ace if he puts the stuff together). I don't think Texas should have been willing to take on Lowell's contract and give up a fairly good prospect as well.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

A couple of points.

 

That Blalock has poor numbers against AL West pitchers but almost no experience versus NL East pitchers is not really a point in his favor. Turner Field is close to a neutral park, not the launching pad that Atlanta Fulton County Stadium was. And if you are going to use the divisional parks as a frame of reference, remember that the NL East also contains RFK Stadium. But honestly, Arlington is an easier place to hit than any park outside of Coors, so moving to another division will not help his numbers.

 

Blalock has quite a few troubling splits. He's got an .880 OPS against lefties but .624 against lefties career. He's .927 at home but .692 on the road. He's .862 before the All-Star break but .740 after. There is one encouraging marker though. He's 24, so he's likely to improve somewhat.

 

As for Beckett and Lowe, the difference is that Beckett's performance was completely in line with the type of performances he's delivered throughout his career. I would ask if you would have any concerns about Beckett beyond the blisters? He's certainly delivered when he does take the mound. And again, he made 29 starts this year.

 

All that aside, let's move this along. If you're the Texas Rangers, do you move Mark Teixeira back to third base? And what do the Marlins do about their pitching staff? They were throwing AA pitchers against the wall in September every fourth and fifth day, and now they're losing two of their big three. They have a wealth of pitching talent in their system, but none of it has logged any time at AAA.

[Failed Bridge 0]

I'd be ok with moving Texiera back to third base and letting Adrian Gonzales take over at first base. With Josh Beckett now having oblique problems along with the blisters it would concern me. He just seems like fragile goods at this point. Is Florida going to be paying any of Lowell's contract, and if so how much? That might make change my opinion a bit.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

I'd be ok with moving Texiera back to third base and letting Adrian Gonzales take over at first base. With Josh Beckett now having oblique problems along with the blisters it would concern me. He just seems like fragile goods at this point. Is Florida going to be paying any of Lowell's contract, and if so how much? That might make change my opinion a bit.

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I doubt the Marlins are assuming any of Lowell's contract. Lowell is apparently owed $16 Million, but there's about $14 Million on Hank Blalock's contract, over three years.

[Failed Bridge 0]

I don't think its a good trade for Texas if Florida isn't picking up any of Lowell's contract. We'll see if Lowell has a bounce back season, but as of right now I just don't feel picking up his whole contract while giving up one of your better prospects along with Hank Blalock to get Josh Beckett is worth it. Just my opinion though.

[Guest StylesMark]

If it's not Yankees/Sawks, does it really matter? I mean...really.

[mike546 0]

Buster Olney wrote it best in his column today. First Ryan doesn't like the NY atmosphere, Gordon wants a 3 year deal, and really, this has all the makings of a horrific offseason. While I wasn't old enough at the time, maybe the Yankees are back to the times of the early 90s, where players didn't want to play in NY.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

Buster Olney wrote it best in his column today. First Ryan doesn't like the NY atmosphere, Gordon wants a 3 year deal, and really, this has all the makings of a horrific offseason. While I wasn't old enough at the time, maybe the Yankees are back to the times of the early 90s, where players didn't want to play in NY.

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I think much of what is written about atmosphere, and many other things are not that much of a factor, just sportswriters who need to fill space in slow times.

 

I think the Yankees will be fine, provided they don't do anything stupid. Acquiring a real center fielder will solve most of their problems and again, they need to emphasize defense.

[mike546 0]

But any trade for any good CF is going to require Wang and/or Cano.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

But any trade for any good CF is going to require Wang and/or Cano.

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Not necessarily. What you do is identify guys on the cheap who can provide league average production. Instead of going after big names, look at Marlon Byrd, Lew Ford or perhaps even Gary Matthews Jr. These guys can be had relatively inexpensively, in Byrd's case perhaps by flipping a bench player.

[Guest StylesMark]

You know damn well the Yankees are going to throw a large sum of money at someone, possibly a CF who will flop. It happens every year, just depends on the position. Damon, maybe.

 

I'd be all for Gary Matthews Jr, but when George needs to fill a hole, he opens the wallet.

 

I could see Ryan in NY though. Gordon is NUTS wanting 3 years and he's no good when they need him most.

 

I agree, Wang and Cano must stay, unless they get something incredible, and young for them.

[mike546 0]

No hes not. It's been reported teams are offering Gordon a 3 year deal. Which is crazy.

 

HES 38!

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

There's nothing wrong with Gordon seeking a three year deal. Free agents set their sights high and work down. If they set an asking price too low, they will lose out on potential earnings.

 

As for Cano and Wang, I wouldn't be so opposed to trading them. They're useful players, but not future MVPs.

[Guest StylesMark]

It's just the idea that the guys are so young (espcecially compared to the rest of the roster), who knows if they'll be MVP's or Cy Youngs? They did good last year and they are young. Keep them.

 

I see your point on Gordon wanting a 3 year deal. Gotta aim high.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

It's just the idea that the guys are so young (espcecially compared to the rest of the roster), who knows if they'll be MVP's or Cy Youngs? They did good last year and they are young. Keep them.

 

Wang turns 26 in March. There aren't many pitchers with mediocre K rates at that age who become stars. I'm not saying he isn't good, but if you can get a worthwhile position regular for him, bite. Cano's a different matter, as he's 23 and already a good hitter at his position. His asking price would be much higher.

[mike546 0]

I think a lot of it is philiosophy. I really honest to god think the Yanks are trying to change things, by keeping their prospects, and building up their farm system. I also think it would be a PR disaster, as hardcore Yank fans have it in their brain that they HAVE TO keep Cano and Wang, and that their future hall of famers.

 

They need to improve CF, which hopefully they'll do. I'm mostly concerned about the bullpen. If Gordon doesn't come back, there in trouble. I'd honesty be happier with signing Gordon and Bob Howry, than just getting Ryan.

[Guest StylesMark]

Well, you have to admit, the farm system is shit. Cano and Wang were like striking gold. It's not every year they'll be able to pull up two guys like that.

 

Gordon just scares me in tight situations (2004 ALCS anyone?) where he is puking in the bullpen. Besides Mariano, granted, he was the only other guy in the pen that could do anything last year, but still.

 

They're going to have enough pitching woes in 2006 I fear (kind of like 2005, but without Small, Wang and Cano to bail them out).

 

Hey...ya never know. Pavano seemed like a good idea last year, and what did he pitch, like 9 games? What I fear is the health of Unit and Mussina. Mussina just scares the shit out of me sometimes.

[mike546 0]

Health of Mussina? Even if hes healthy, his decline should rapidely continue.

[randomguy 0]

Gordon is is a great regular season guy. He basically lost the ALCS two years ago against the Sox. In pressure situations he'll come in, pitch to 3 batters, and end up with a K, a hit and a walk. Or men on 2nd and 3rd with no outs. Even though his numbers are nice he is not a guy you want in the game when it matters.

 

Wang was the Yanks best pitcher last year. Trading him would be crazy. Especially trading him for a position player when their pitching is so suspect.

 

Mussina has been heading downhill for a long time. now he's a 4.5 ERA guy who will give you an occasional gem and an occasional horrendous outing. He's one of the most likely guys in baseball to go out and pitch 7 innings of shutout, then come back the next start and give up 6 runs in the first.

 

The Yankees need a CF (please god not Damon!), a DH (that sounds sad but the DH position was awful last year) and some pitching. Their position players besides CF are pretty good overall, certainly nothing to worry about.