Ask Al: The THREAD~!

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

Since we've had some hate towards Steve Phillips faux press conferences, let's do something better. Instead of listening to espn for information on your team's offseason moves, ask your question here! Please ask one question at a time, and remember I'm not a crystal ball. If you ask, "where will Rafael Furcal go?", or "will the Marlins trade Carlos Delgado?", I can't be of much help. You're better off reading Ken Rosenthal for the rumor mill.

[Failed Bridge 0]

I hate Ken Rosenthaul

 

I plan on calling Fenway at one point and asking for the front office and then talking to somebody about GMing the team with you. I figure the worst they could do is hang-up and laugh, but hell...what if we got the chance? The odds aren't in our favor but I'd prefer to give it a shot and see what the reaction is.

[The Czech Republic 0]

Do the Cubs have any hope of succeeding in spite of their manager, his coaching philosophy, and our front office?

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

I hate Ken Rosenthaul

 

I plan on calling Fenway at one point and asking for the front office and then talking to somebody about GMing the team with you. I figure the worst they could do is hang-up and laugh, but hell...what if we got the chance? The odds aren't in our favor but I'd prefer to give it a shot and see what the reaction is.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Don't throw my name in on it.

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

I hate Ken Rosenthaul

 

I plan on calling Fenway at one point and asking for the front office and then talking to somebody about GMing the team with you. I figure the worst they could do is hang-up and laugh, but hell...what if we got the chance? The odds aren't in our favor but I'd prefer to give it a shot and see what the reaction is.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

And what exactly do you have to offer? If I recall, you wanted to sign JACQUE JONES.

[Failed Bridge 0]

I don't want Jacque Jones on the Red Sox. I said in the end he'll be better value than Jose Cruz Jr as I believe Cruz Jr's best days are behind him not to mention he's a major injury risk.

 

If you're going to quote me then use the actual words and don't try placing words in my mouth.

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

Yeah sure FFMS.

 

 

Anyways not to derail the thread, but as far as the teams go, who do you see making the most progress next year, Al? The popular answer is probably Cleveland.

[Guest Leelee]

Can I make a thread like this, only involving a better sport?

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

Do the Cubs have any hope of succeeding in spite of their manager, his coaching philosophy, and our front office?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes. The fact that absolutely despicable scum such as Jeffrey Loria and Jerry Reinsdorf are walking around with World Series rings are living proof that even the worst owned teams can win titles (this is not an attack on the White Sox's management). The 2003 SF Giants managed to win 100 games despite giving Neifi Perez over 300 at bats. The Cubs can compete and win if they fill some holes in their lineup. Anything Dusty did to derail the team pales in comparison to the black hole of center field, where Corey Patterson compiled a nifty .215/.254/.348 line. The rest of the outfield was fairly poor as well. Replacing Todd Hollandsworth with Brian Giles could easily be worth five wins on its own. And getting a center fielder with a minimum of ability would help as well. Talent is much more a factor than management.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

Yeah sure FFMS.

 

 

Anyways not to derail the thread, but as far as the teams go, who do you see making the most progress next year, Al? The popular answer is probably Cleveland.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Cleveland may very well have been the best team in the Majors this season. Remember they did win 93 games. They will be a major force next season. The popular choice for improvement is the Milwaukee Brewers. They have more young talent than any team in baseball.

[The Czech Republic 0]

Do the Cubs have any hope of succeeding in spite of their manager, his coaching philosophy, and our front office?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes. The fact that absolutely despicable scum such as Jeffrey Loria and Jerry Reinsdorf are walking around with World Series rings are living proof that even the worst owned teams can win titles (this is not an attack on the White Sox's management). The 2003 SF Giants managed to win 100 games despite giving Neifi Perez over 300 at bats. The Cubs can compete and win if they fill some holes in their lineup. Anything Dusty did to derail the team pales in comparison to the black hole of center field, where Corey Patterson compiled a nifty .215/.254/.348 line. The rest of the outfield was fairly poor as well. Replacing Todd Hollandsworth with Brian Giles could easily be worth five wins on its own. And getting a center fielder with a minimum of ability would help as well. Talent is much more a factor than management.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

We won't get Giles, St. Louis will. If Cesar Izturis is injured for a long time, the Dodgers are going to sign Nomar, where he will be injured for a long time. Furcal will go to the Mets, Braves, or CF with the Yankees now, I guess. Burnitz is gone and might retire, so as of now we have Murton-Patterson-Grieve, I think. Kill me

[sfaJack 0]

Don't be so glum, Czech. We've got three more years of Ryan Dempster.

[Hektik 0]

It looks like the Padres are going to start Xavier Nady and Ben Johnson next season. Do you think these two will be able to make an impact as everyday players?

[MikeJordan23 0]

What should the Cardinals do with their outfield now that Larry Walker is retired and Reggie Sanders looks like he's on his way out?

 

Should they re-sign Matt Morris and/or Julian Tavarez? (The answer is maybe and hell no, just to help you)

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

It looks like the Padres are going to start Xavier Nady and Ben Johnson next season.  Do you think these two will be able to make an impact as everyday players?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Absolutely. Nady's an established quality hitter. Johnson's a good prospect, but there's a chance last year was an abberation. Nady's better than Nevin, who he's replaced. There's a good story regarding Ben Johnson. When the Padres traded Carlos Hernandez and Nate Tebbs to the Cardinals, they received Heathcliff Slocomb and a minor leaguer. Padres' GM Kevin Towers asked for one of two prospects, Johnson or Albert Pujols. Walt Jocketty kept Pujols.

 

What should the Cardinals do with their outfield now that Larry Walker is retired and Reggie Sanders looks like he's on his way out?

 

Should they re-sign Matt Morris and/or Julian Tavarez? (The answer is maybe and hell no, just to help you)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The Cardinals have several options in the outfield via free agency. Brian Giles, Juan Encarnacion, Rondell White, Jeromy Burnitz are available. Plus, J-Rod might be a platoon option.

 

Morris will probably be too expensive to sign at his level of ability. Julian Tavarez is a more attractive signing (the only time Tavarez and attractive will appear in the same sentence), but there are tons of middle relievers available each season.

[Failed Bridge 0]

I wonder if Morris would be willing to go to Detroit. Even if he accidently hangs that curveball while pitching at Comerica it doesn't mean its an automatic homer in that place. He's a better option than Jason Johnson, that's for sure.

[Fökai 0]

What would you do as Braves general manager, if Furcal signs with another team (Cubs)? What about a team within the division (Mets)?

[C Dubya 04 0]

Any idea how the Phils are going to handle the Howard/Thome situation? Also, who is going to be in centerfield on opening day? (sorry for 2 questions, but they're short)

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

What would you do as Braves general manager, if Furcal signs with another team (Cubs)? What about a team within the division (Mets)?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It doesn't matter where Furcal goes if he does not resign. If he leaves, you need to find a replacement. Wilson Betemit had a breakout year, hitting .305/.359/.435 in 246 at bats. Betemit posted a great split against righties, and the Braves could either give him a shot, or sign a stopgap like Royce Clayton for a season to platoon. If Furcal leaves, Betemit is probably the best option.

 

Any idea how the Phils are going to handle the Howard/Thome situation?  Also, who is going to be in centerfield on opening day?  (sorry for 2 questions, but they're short)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I really think the Phils should seriously consider trading Ryan Howard. Howard does not boast a tremendous amount of plate discipline, he's already 25, and he is not likely to age well. His value is high and he could solve the bigger issues at third base and catcher. And if Thome tanks, you can find another first baseman somewhere.

 

I would give the center field job to Jason Michaels. If Mark Mulder is the Cards' opening day starter, that's set in stone. I doubt they would give the center field job to Shane Victorino outright. I still note that one day some runner is going to try and take an extra base on Victorino, and you're going to see a hell of a throw.

[Brett Favre 0]

I heard Howard isn't going to go to the outfield, so Thome is definitely going to get traded.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

I heard Howard isn't going to go to the outfield, so Thome is definitely going to get traded.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Howard weighs anywhere from 230-260 lbs. He in the outfield would be every bit as bad as Greg Luzinski. And Garry Maddox isn't around anymore to cover the slack. The problem with Thome is that he has $45.5 Million left on his contract.

[Precious Roy 0]

What would you do with the Yankees pitching staff? Johnson, Moose, Pavano, Wright, Chacon, Wang, Small....they can't all start.

 

Also....Lyle Overbay....I think he'll get traded....what (approximately) do you think he'll bring in return?

[Bruiser Chong 0]

Don't be so glum, Czech.  We've got three more years of Ryan Dempster.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

AND two more years of Glendon and Neifi!

[Guest Wart]

If you were the Astros, what would you do at Catcher, Shortstop, and 1st base next year? What should they do to replace Clemens if he decides to retire?

[Vern Gagne 0]

Who are your five sleeper free agents?

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

What would you do with the Yankees pitching staff?  Johnson, Moose, Pavano, Wright, Chacon, Wang, Small....they can't all start.

 

Also....Lyle Overbay....I think he'll get traded....what (approximately) do you think he'll bring in return?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Randy Johnson and Mike Mussina are established. Carl Pavano's not an ace, but he's a good mid-rotation guy when healthy. From there, you leave jobs up for grabs in Spring Training. Shawn Chacon and Chien-Ming Wang are probably the best options. A move to long relief could maximize Wright's output. And Aaron Small is a swingman.

 

For Lyle Overbay, I see maybe a 1 for 1 trade, with some team trading something they have in surplus. Maybe a mid-level starter, as the Brewers are set everywhere in the lineup.

 

If you were the Astros, what would you do at Catcher, Shortstop, and 1st base next year? What should they do to replace Clemens if he decides to retire?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It's time to rebuild. Brad Ausmus is too old to commit to at catcher. The Astros should look to sign a left handed first baseman to platoon with Jeff Bagwell, and move Lance Berkman back to left field. I think the Astros should consider just saying no thanks to Roger Clemens, and making a run for Rafael Furcal or Brian Giles. They desperately need offense, and they have nothing in the system.

 

Who are your five sleeper free agents?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Something tells me Jamey Wright could succeed outside of Colorado. Paul Byrd's quite good when healthy. Matt Lawton is very much under the radar due to his relegation to the Yankees bench and the positive steroid test. He still boasts a .368 career OBP. Rich Aurilia's decent and there's little else available at second base. Finally, Mark Bellhorn is available, and he's got upside when he puts it all together.

[Vern Gagne 0]

Al: The Twins need help. Brian Giles would be my first choice. That's not happening. Who can they target that helps the lineup?

[Precious Roy 0]

I agree with your 5 choices for starters....but I was afraid you'd say Wright to long relief. I don't have any confidence in him being able to make that conversion. It may keep him healthier, possibly, but I don't see him being effective in that role. I hope I'm wrong and he can contribute something to the team, because we're certainly paying him enough money. Would he be the most expensive long reliever in the game?

 

Pavano...the injury worries me....the switch to the AL worries me....I was never crazy about signing him in the first place. If the right offer came along I'd probably take it....and look for a bargain on the FA market to replace him.

 

I love Overbay's game. Not a star, but quietly productive...gives you a good OBP and Slugging.....has some pop, not a bad fielder.....he reminds me of Shea Hillenbrand as a guy who can really round out a lineup and contribute to a team. A team like New York would be a perfect fit for his skills I think....move Giambi to full-time DH.....I would gladly part with Pavano for Overbay.

[Bored 0]

What should the A's do with Barry Zito? Trade him to free up cash to sign or trade for a power hitter? Sign him to a contract extension? Let him leave through free agency after next year and get draft picks?

[Precious Roy 0]

trade him to NYY for Carl Pavano....and they can swap Alyssa Milano war stories in the process