Failed Bridge 0 Report post Posted December 22, 2005 You forgot about Mike Greenwell. He was my favorite player to watch while growing up. I taught myself to hit left-handed because I thought so highly of him. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EVIL~! alkeiper 0 Report post Posted December 22, 2005 Good enough. What's sad is that this makes Moises Alou, at 39, the youngest regular outfielder (we're leaving out Randy Winn because it's fun to pile on). If the Giants lose Bonds again, they're going to be an awful team. why wouldn't Winn be the full-time CF for San-Fran? Didn't he kill the ball after the trade? He hit better than Finley last year, that's for damn sure. JT Snow is gone, right? Could they be thinking about moving someone to first? Lance Niekro's been penciled in at first base. He has power but poor plate discipline, and he's 27, not quite a budding star. They could move an outfielder to first base, but Finley didn't even outhit Niekro. For the Angels, Alfonzo could become a corner sub at first and third. Erstad would move to center, and Kotchman comes up from AAA to play first base. I don't think Alfonzo's good enough to play everyday. Honestly, this trade could make sense if both are used as reserves. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EVIL~! alkeiper 0 Report post Posted December 22, 2005 The Red Sox scored tons of runs in the mid 80s with absolutely no speed on the team whatsover. Wade Boggs hit leadoff when OBP wasn't highly thought off. Boggs, Buckner, Jim Rice, Don Baylor, Dwight Evans, Rich Gedman etc, some of the slowest players of all time and they still scored runs. I would rather have smart baserunners rather than just fast base runners, especially in Fenway Park. That's true, but they didn't win many championships in the process. Only the '86 club won without speed. Subsequent division winners had Ellis Burks, who could run in his heyday. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mike546 0 Report post Posted December 22, 2005 You don't even really need speed to win a WS. Beside Jeter and Bernie (who never stole bases), who on the 96 Yankee team could run? Tino, Duncan, Hayes, Fielder, O'Neil, Boggs, Leyritz, Girardi, and Sojo ect .. were all really slow, and that team was all about doing the right thing, moving runners over, hit and run, and timley hitting. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarvinisaLunatic 0 Report post Posted December 22, 2005 The Os also didnt tender Eric Byrnes..and Larry Bigbie who they traded for Byrnes signed with the Cardinals. They also didn't tender Kurt Ainsworth..who was picked up in the trade with SF for Ponson.. bleh. and then they go out and sign Jeff Conine with the anticipation that he will play every day (1B/LF/DH). This is going to be one embarassingly bad team to watch next year. Ainsworth's arm is toast. Byrnes is an average player but with his statistics would earn more than he's worth in arbitration. Byrnes' best OPS+ was 113, in 2003. Conine's career OPS+ is 110, and he matched that last year. I don't think it's a stretch to suggest Conine is a better player than Byrnes. Or Larry Bigbie for that matter. My only complaint is that they got rid of the younger players (Bigbie and Byrnes) and replaced them with an aging veteran who'd be a bench warmer with any other team but an everyday player with the Os. Id rather have Byrnes, who hit lefties real well last year and showed a lot of hustle in the games he played for the Os over Conine. And to add insult to injury, I think Byrnes would be making about $2 million and they ended up signing Conine for $1.7 million, and the kicker is that its got a guaranteed option for 2007 should Conine get 450 PAs. Given they plan to have him start the majority of games, whether at 1B, LF or DH, Id say its a lock for that to happen..... I pretty much knew Ainsworth was done, but I figured Id throw that out just for the sake of Ponson getting a mention. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Czech Republic 0 Report post Posted December 22, 2005 Rotoworld's reporting that the Cards are set to sign Sidney Ponson to a one-year deal. Well, there's our 2006 NL Comeback Player of the Year. I feel sorry for St. Louis fans.. .. well actually I dont. I wasn't being sarcastic. He's gonna be a Cy Young candidate. Trust me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vern Gagne 0 Report post Posted December 22, 2005 What draft pick of the Cubs, do the Twins get for Jacque Jones? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EVIL~! alkeiper 0 Report post Posted December 22, 2005 What draft pick of the Cubs, do the Twins get for Jacque Jones? It's going to take some sorting out. They get anything from the second-fourth round picks of the Cubs, depending where Bob Howry and Scott Eyre. The Cubs' first round pick is protected. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bruiser Chong 0 Report post Posted December 22, 2005 - Dodgers sign Bret Tomko to a two-year deal worth almost nine million. And people bitched about the GM before... - Royals are about to sign Reggie Sanders to a one-year deal - Padres are set to sign Mark Bellhorn to a one-year deal Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sfaJack 0 Report post Posted December 22, 2005 I guess Reggie Sanders's quest to play for every MLB team continues... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Failed Bridge 0 Report post Posted December 22, 2005 Manny Ramirez apparently realy wants to be traded now that Damon is gone and he's willing to wave his no-trade clause to the Mets. Could he wave it for Baltimore? Look what Ken Rosenthal is reporting... The talks are stalled, a source says, over the Cubs' insistence that the Orioles give up left-hander Erik Bedard along with Tejada if they want Prior – and the Cubs' refusal to include top outfield prospect Felix Pie or a top pitching prospect in return. The Cubs and Orioles also have engaged in three-way discussions with the Red Sox in which Tejada would go to the Cubs and Ramirez to the Orioles, according to another source. The package the Sox would receive is unclear, but conceivably could include Prior, shortstop Ronny Cedeno and center fielder Corey Patterson. Whatever the details, a three-way deal would appear to be a longshot, and no other deal appears close. The Red Sox would need to give the Orioles pitching along with Ramirez if they wanted Tejada in a straight, two-team trade. The Angels' offers for Tejada have been insufficient, sources say. The Orioles are concerned that they would be losing too much offense if Prior was their principal acquisition in a Tejada deal. The Red Sox share the same reservation about trading Ramirez for anything other than a hitter of Tejada's caliber. The Orioles and Cubs have been talking for at least a week. While the teams completed a trade involving outfielder Sammy Sosa last off-season, that deal was essentially a salary dump by the Cubs. A Tejada deal would be more difficult to accomplish. Orioles owner Peter Angelos is a difficult negotiator who routinely procrastinates on major personnel moves. He also is a stickler for players with clean medical records, and Prior has been injured in each of his three full seasons with the Cubs. Any deal involving Ramirez would require him to waive his no-trade clause, an issue that could further complicate discussions. The Cubs are believed to be more willing to trade Prior, 25, than right-hander Carlos Zambrano, 24, who has emerged as the team's workhorse and ace. The Orioles likely would not be interested in right-hander Kerry Wood, 28, who is coming off shoulder surgery. If the Cubs acquired Bedard along with Tejada, they would gain a ready replacement for Prior and keep their rotation at full strength. But the Orioles need to add pitching, not trade it, which is why they would want the Cubs to include a top prospect. Cedeno, Patterson and second baseman Todd Walker are among the other Cubs who could attract the Orioles' interest. Tejada, 29, said he wanted to be traded in an interview with the Associated Press earlier this month, stating his desire to play for a winning organization and his belief that he would benefit from a "change of scenery." He later softened his remarks publicly, but did not back off his position in talks with club officials. He has four years and $48 million remaining on the six-year, free-agent contract he signed with the Orioles prior to the 2004 season. Rather than move Tejada, the Orioles could attempt to improve the team around him. They've signed free-agent catcher Ramon Hernandez, 29, to a four-year, $27.5 million contract and free-agent outfielder Jeff Conine, 39, to a one-year, $1.75 million deal. They also are talking to free-agent outfielder Jeromy Burnitz, 36, and are one of several clubs pursuing free-agent right-hander Kevin Millwood, 31, who seems most likely to sign with the Rangers. While the Cubs appear to be the team pushing hardest for Tejada, the Orioles have maintained steady dialogue about a possible deal with the Red Sox. If the Orioles could swing a deal for Ramirez and pitching, they then would seek to trade for a shortstop or sign one as a free agent. The Angels, meanwhile, continue to view the addition of a slugger like Tejada as their top priority. Their talks for Ramirez have not advanced, and like the Cubs, they have numerous young players who would appeal to the Orioles, starting with right-hander Ervin Santana and first baseman Casey Kotchman. The Orioles also could take back high-priced veterans like shortstop Orlando Cabrera and first baseman Darin Erstad in a trade. The White Sox, willing to move right-hander Jon Garland or right-hander Jose Contreras, appear more of a longshot for Tejada. Both Garland and Contreras, however, are eligible for free agency at the end of the season. Under Angelos, the Orioles have routinely balked at acquiring potential free agents without the assurance of signing them long-term. A future rotation of Prior, Becket, Papelbon, Lester, and one other guy would just be absurd. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Man in Blak 0 Report post Posted December 22, 2005 - Dodgers sign Bret Tomko to a two-year deal worth almost nine million. And people bitched about the GM before... It's hard for me to say this, given how dreadful he was in a St. Louis uniform, but setting aside $4.5 million for Tomko a year isn't the worst thing in the world. Tomko's actually an above average pitcher at home (check out his career splits) and he turned in a halfway decent run for the Giants after the all-star break last year. He'll probably outperform Kris Benson this year and at just a little over half the price. Furthermore, the Dodgers need the live bodies - Scott Erickson should not be counted on for every fifth day ever again. - Royals are about to sign Reggie Sanders to a one-year deal Pretty good deal for Kansas City, as they finally get somebody to help DeJesus defensively in the outfield. Not only does Sanders bring some pop and speed to the lineup, it also gives them the flexibility to deal either Matt Stairs or Mike Sweeney, as Stairs will essentially become a platoon 1B/fourth outfielder with this signing. Normally, I wouldn't toss my hat in the "virtues" of having a good clubhouse presence but, in a locker room full of young guys and a dreary organizational outlook, Sanders provides real value off of the field as well, as a veteran role model and as somebody who likes to participate in charities and such around the city. - Padres are set to sign Mark Bellhorn to a one-year deal Nice insurance for Josh Barfield, though it will be interesting to see how Petco affects Bellhorn's power. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2GOLD 0 Report post Posted December 22, 2005 If Hendry gives up Prior, he deserves a bunch to the throat. Fuck that deal. I'd rather give Cedeno a chance than give up one of, if not, the best young arms in the majors. Zambrano and Prior should not be moved at all. And the Orioles would deserve a bunch in the face to give up Miggy for Rameriez. No matter how disgruntled Miggy could possibly be, he doesn't touch the human headache powers of Manny. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarvinisaLunatic 0 Report post Posted December 22, 2005 Rotoworld's reporting that the Cards are set to sign Sidney Ponson to a one-year deal. Well, there's our 2006 NL Comeback Player of the Year. I feel sorry for St. Louis fans.. .. well actually I dont. I wasn't being sarcastic. He's gonna be a Cy Young candidate. Trust me. Is one of the statistics that the vote is based on # of DUIs? Cause thats probably his only chance of even coming close to a Cy Young. Sad note: Longtime Oriole (whether player or coach) and former Orioles Bullpen Coach Elrod Hendricks died last night of a heart attack at 64. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Smues Report post Posted December 22, 2005 Rotoworld's reporting that the Cards are set to sign Sidney Ponson to a one-year deal. Well, there's our 2006 NL Comeback Player of the Year. I feel sorry for St. Louis fans.. .. well actually I dont. I wasn't being sarcastic. He's gonna be a Cy Young candidate. Trust me. Is one of the statistics that the vote is based on # of DUIs? Cause thats probably his only chance of even coming close to a Cy Young. I think punching an Aruban judge is worth bonus points too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Czech Republic 0 Report post Posted December 22, 2005 We don't want to see Prior go for Tejada. We like Prior. Just put Cedeno in then. Fine. And you guys can keep making fun of me all you want, but I'm telling you, Ponson is gonna have a breakout year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2GOLD 0 Report post Posted December 22, 2005 We don't want to see Prior go for Tejada. We like Prior. Just put Cedeno in then. Fine. And you guys can keep making fun of me all you want, but I'm telling you, Ponson is gonna have a breakout year. Watch him show up for the Cards in the best shape of his life with amazing control and talking about his newfound respect for himself and others. Course I'd like him to show up wider than ever with no control and cuss out three reporters who dare to ask him about his troubles outside of baseball. But he was traded from the Orioles to the Cubs rival. So he'll probably start the season 8-0 with a 1.39 era and lead the NL in strikeout to walk ratio. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
the max 0 Report post Posted December 22, 2005 Ponson wasn't traded, his contract was voided following his DUI last year. Baltimore rid themselves of him and got nothing but peace of mind in return. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Czech Republic 0 Report post Posted December 23, 2005 Does anyone know the dimensions of Busch III? Is this gonna be hitter-friendly, pitcher-friendly, neutral, Camden-Yards-ripoff-drawn-by-a-4-year-old-so-it's-290-to-left-and-435-to-center? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EVIL~! alkeiper 0 Report post Posted December 23, 2005 Does anyone know the dimensions of Busch III? Is this gonna be hitter-friendly, pitcher-friendly, neutral, Camden-Yards-ripoff-drawn-by-a-4-year-old-so-it's-290-to-left-and-435-to-center? It looks much like the old Busch Stadium, except without the upper deck in the outfield. The outfield is symmetrical, but not perfectly curved like the old park. I think it'll play more towards pitchers, about the level of Jacobs Field. Given the arch beyond the outfield, it looks really, really good. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarvinisaLunatic 0 Report post Posted December 23, 2005 Is the new Card's stadium going to stay Busch Stadium..? There would be a bit of an ironic twist there with Sidney and his multiple DUI's, drunken punching of Aruban Judges pitching in a ballpark named after a beer company.. Seriously, I dont think he has the commitment to getting in and staying in playing shape. He used to be an innings eater and could go 7+ innings easy, last year he was lucky to make it out of the 5th inning under 100 pitches. If the Cards can get through to him and get him in shape, they might have a solid pitcher on their hands, but not a Cy Young candidate. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheDevilAndGodAreRagingInsideMe 0 Report post Posted December 23, 2005 Isn't The Jake a very hitter friendly park? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EVIL~! alkeiper 0 Report post Posted December 23, 2005 Isn't The Jake a very hitter friendly park? It used to be, but over the last three years it has actually been the best pitchers' park in the American League. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Czech Republic 0 Report post Posted December 23, 2005 Is the new Card's stadium going to stay Busch Stadium..? There would be a bit of an ironic twist there with Sidney and his multiple DUI's, drunken punching of Aruban Judges pitching in a ballpark named after a beer company.. Yes, it's the third edifice to be named Busch Stadium. However I think this time it's technically a corporate tie-in, and not a memorial to August Busch, as II was, and as Wrigley is. Seriously, I dont think he has the commitment to getting in and staying in playing shape. He used to be an innings eater and could go 7+ innings easy, last year he was lucky to make it out of the 5th inning under 100 pitches. If the Cards can get through to him and get him in shape, they might have a solid pitcher on their hands, but not a Cy Young candidate. They'll get through to him. He's gonna be vying for Comeback Player Of The Year for sure, if not the Cy Young outright. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheDevilAndGodAreRagingInsideMe 0 Report post Posted December 23, 2005 How do you like that. Al, might you have the complete rankings handy? I figured the Comericas and Safecos of the world were the best to pitch at, I assume they are high though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Czech Republic 0 Report post Posted December 23, 2005 Safeco has gotta be up there because of the dimensions and low altitude. I think it's at sea level, actually. Chicago's altitude is higher than people expect; I think around 1200 ft. above sea level, which in conjunction with the right wind on a hot sunny day, sends baseballs flying out of Wrigley and Comiskey. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheDevilAndGodAreRagingInsideMe 0 Report post Posted December 23, 2005 I figure it has to be up there, being that Griffey Jr and A-Rod refused to re-sign there due to the dimentions. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EVIL~! alkeiper 0 Report post Posted December 23, 2005 Comiskey's the best home run park in the Majors, and that includes Coors Field. Safeco and Comerica are in the bottom third of parks in the A.L. in terms of run production. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Failed Bridge 0 Report post Posted December 23, 2005 Troy Glaus could be headed to Boston soon for Matt Clement, Tony Graffanino, and a low level prospect. Its in today's Boston Herald. Red Sox also want to sign Millwood (which I believe is a good idea. He proved he could pitch in the AL last season and he doesn't have to swing a bat or anything which relieves some stress to the arm. Just ask Andy Pettite) and could trade David Wells to San Diego for prospects which they could swing to Tampa Bay for Julio Lugo. That basically leaves them needing a CFer. Glaus is also a great option as a clean-up hitter if they do trade Manny. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MikeJordan23 0 Report post Posted December 23, 2005 Cardinals sign Juan Encarnacion 3 years/15m Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
