2006-07 MLB Offseason Thread

[Precious Roy 0]

Here's my take on Igawa:

 

- The bid is more than anyone expected, but it's not outrageous after you take into consideration both the Red Sox bid for Matsuzaka and the contracts being given out to mediocre pitchers. I do think the Yankees felt pressure to win the posting and probably overbid to make sure they got him, but it's not like they went way overboard to do it. The bidding for Igawa was competitive with reportedly around 10 teams throwing down, and the Mets bidding between 15 and 16 million according to an anonymous MLB source. I didn't rag on the Sox for spending what they felt was necessary to get Matsuzaka, and I won't criticize Yankee brass for doing the same thing now.

 

- The Yankees have been scouting Igawa for several years, with favorable reviews. He's put up very good numbers in Japan, seasons with sub-3 ERAs, led his league in strikeouts 3 times, and it probably translates into him being a solid #3 or #4 starter. He may not be #1 or #2 material but they obviously believe he can be a solid presence in the rotation. And he's only 27.

 

- The "LOL YANKEE IDIOTS BLOWING MONEY!!" shit is retarded. His annual salary will be far less than that of Matsuzaka, rumoured between $4 and $6 million. Cashman has a good relationship with Igawa's agent Arn Tellum, who also represents Mike Mussina, Hideki Matsui and Jason Giambi. The Yankees will be getting Igawa for less than it would cost to sign pretty much every veteran FA out there. IMO Boras will be asking for no less than $11-12 mil per from the Sox and we know he'll strongarm them to get what he wants. 4 years at 5 or 6 million plus the $26 million for Igawa would be less than just the posting fee for Daisuke.

[TheDevilAndGodAreRagingInsideMe 0]

Ha! The Yankees were the team that bid $25 million for Igawa. I bet there are some people backtracking on the Matsuzaka hate now that the Yankees just dropped a boatload on a junkballer who looks no better than a #4 starter.

 

Edit: Here's Rotoworld's take on it:

 

Incredible. Igawa's stuff has drawn mixed reviews, and while he might be well ahead of MLB hitters in his first season in the U.S., it seems unlikely that he'll settle in as more than a third or fourth starter. If it costs a total of $40 million to bring him in for three years, we have a new candidate for the biggest bust of the winter. It's expected that we'll know tonight who won the bidding for Igawa. Nov. 28 - 1:57 pm et

 

 

Hope this isn't true. But if it is, Igawa will end up turning out better than Matz. Write it down.

[Brett Favre 0]

Whatever on the Igawa bid. I don't know much about the guy, but even if he's not as good as Daisuke, it's still not even close to how much the Red Sox bid for a guy who didn't put like insanely better numbers than Igawa in Japan.

[Guest NYankees]

Story on espn.com

 

 

Jimmie Lee Solomon, executive VP of baseball operations in the commissioner's office, said any side deals used to convert Daisuke Matsuzaka's posting fee into salary for the right-hander would not be allowed.

So, MLB wants to crack down five years after the Mariners were allowed to go around the posting system with Ichiro? "There are no side deals in the situation," Soloman said. "Everybody's been assured that's not allowed, and everybody's been made aware of the rules." We'll see. The whole posting system is ridiculous in the first place and can only breed corruption. A report earlier this month, prior to the awarding of Matsuzaka's rights, said that three teams had attempted under-the-table negotiations with Seibu. After the events of this winter, maybe MLB and Japan will get around to trying something different.

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

Story on espn.com

 

 

Jimmie Lee Solomon, executive VP of baseball operations in the commissioner's office, said any side deals used to convert Daisuke Matsuzaka's posting fee into salary for the right-hander would not be allowed.

So, MLB wants to crack down five years after the Mariners were allowed to go around the posting system with Ichiro? "There are no side deals in the situation," Soloman said. "Everybody's been assured that's not allowed, and everybody's been made aware of the rules." We'll see. The whole posting system is ridiculous in the first place and can only breed corruption. A report earlier this month, prior to the awarding of Matsuzaka's rights, said that three teams had attempted under-the-table negotiations with Seibu. After the events of this winter, maybe MLB and Japan will get around to trying something different.

 

Being a Red Sox fan, I am happy that we got Matsuzaka, but I still despise the posting system. It favors the rich teams and the system is wrought with corruption. There will absolutely be some sort of kick back to the Sox, be it some "working relationship" or otherwise. It happened with Suzuki, it sort of happened with Matsui (althought he was a FA, so it was different) and it will happen again in the future. MLB needs to look into the flaws of the system, not the ones exposing it.

[Guest Felonies!]

Being a Red Sox fan, I am happy that we got Matsuzaka, but I still despise the posting system. It favors the rich teams

Which is exactly what the Boston Red Sox are, but then again, hating the system you benefit from financially is kind of a New England thing.

 

What's your alternative to the posting system? Should they be considered restricted free agents?

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

I haven't thought in depth about an alternative. I've seen it suggested that they should essentially be FAs, but the posting team would receive 10% of the total contract value. Once again, that favors the rich teams, but it might alleviate some of the corruption.

 

It's been speculated that in the end the Red Sox should break even on the $51 million posting, after deductions are applied to revenue sharing and state taxes and whatever new revenue streams are opened up (including any kickbacks from Seibu). They've found a way to use flaws in the system to lock up what could be one of the greatest pitchers of our time at a below market rate. Like I said, whether I'm a fan or not, it's not fair.

 

On a separate note, sounds like the JD Drew deal is done or almost done. Four years with a vesting option for the 5th. Total contract value is about $70 million. Given the market, I can live with that. Durability is still an issue, but he was the best hitter in this market and is an outstanding defensive player. He fits the Sox' needs perfectly.

[devo 0]

Hey, can anyone tell me what happened with Baseball Think Factory? I just tried to visit the site only to find a generic placeholder page instead.

[The Man in Blak 0]

It looks like the domain name ran out...I've been looking around for more information on it from other sites, but I haven't seen anything as of yet.

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

Boston Herald is reporting that the JD Drew deal is done (4 years/$56 million with a 5th year option). They won't finalize the deal until Sunday or Monday because of the arbitration deadline. I really like this deal. It's short term and the money is about what Damon got after adjusting for inflation.

 

It will be interesting to see how the cards fall now. One of Crisp, Pena or Manny needs to go, and given the financial territory they are in, I'm going to assume it's Manny. If the Padres really are dangling Jake Peavy (and I would assume that's an unfounded rumor) they should go for it immediately.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

Amazing how quickly 4 years became a short term deal.

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

Amazing how quickly 4 years became a short term deal.

 

True, but when it takes 6 and 8 years to lock up Carlos Lee and Alfonso Soriano, respectively, it becomes short term. If Drew bites the dust, I'm glad he will be gone by 2009 instead of 2013. Even Gary Matthews got 5 years and he's 32 years old. It's all relative.

[Dobbs 3K 0]

In other excitement, the Brewers signed Craig Counsell to a 2 year deal worth a reported $6 million. Boy, I'm sure glad they got that big bat they needed!

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

Directly stolen from SOSH, but here's a scouting report on Kei Igawa for Yanks fans and anyone else who's interested:

 

His fastball appears to be around 138-143 Km/hr or 85-88 MPH. He looks to have pretty bad control of his fastball. It is very straight and thrown right over the top. Nothing much to see here but a below average fastball in velocity, movement, and control. He tends to miss up in the zone with his fastball. He seems to throw this maybe 55-60% of the time.

 

He has a decent breaking ball in the low to mid 70's. It has good tilt and good break to it. He has decent command of it. He has better command of it than his fastball, but still not great command. Its a pitch he will HAVE to use to get hitters out because of his lack of velocity. In hte end its just and average pitch though. He doesn't throw it much, I would say close to 10%.

 

His change-up is his money pitch. It also registers in the mid 70's. He has very good deception on is and it has above average drop to it. He has better command of it than any other pitch. This is the pitch he will have to rely on to get Al East hitter out. It will instantly become one of the better change-ups in baseball though. Its simple a plus pitch. He throws this alot, around 30-35% of the time.

 

So he has a far below average fastball, an average breaking ball, and a plus change-up. His command is what worries you. He really doesn't have the type of command you want from a lefty that lacks velocity. Maybe he can become an effectively wild type of guy. But he doesn't look like much more than a reliever to me.

 

His motion is pretty solid. He throws from a straight over the top arm slot, which is why his change-up is so good and deceptive. He keeps the same arm slot on all of his pitches. It isn't the smoothest motion you'll see. You can see quite a bit of effort when he throws.

 

In the end I see an average pitcher thats going to be thrown into the toughest division in baseball. He could start off with some success, but once teams see his change-up I don't see him doing that well.

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

In other excitement, the Brewers signed Craig Counsell to a 2 year deal worth a reported $6 million. Boy, I'm sure glad they got that big bat they needed!

 

If this somehow leads to Bill Hall becoming available, I'd be willing to give Melvin whatever prospects he desired.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

Amazing how quickly 4 years became a short term deal.

 

True, but when it takes 6 and 8 years to lock up Carlos Lee and Alfonso Soriano, respectively, it becomes short term. If Drew bites the dust, I'm glad he will be gone by 2009 instead of 2013. Even Gary Matthews got 5 years and he's 32 years old. It's all relative.

I'm not cracking a joke. It's very true.

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

A multi-year deal between the Phillies and Joe Borowski broke down (what the Orioles couldn't find another $15 million for a mediocre bullpen guy) after a physical showed problems in his shoulder. His agent said they will still be looking for a one-year deal. I'd say he's worth a flyer if you need bullpen help.

[Red Baron 0]

Jays signed Royce Clayton for a one year 1.5 million dollars.

[CanadianChris 0]

Jays signed Royce Clayton for a one year 1.5 million dollars.

Uh, why exactly? Please don't tell me THIS is the answer at short for next season. The guy's only cracked a 700 OPS twice this decade.

[devo 0]

He's gotta be coming off of the bench. No one's getting paid $1.5 million to start in this market.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

Jays signed Royce Clayton for a one year 1.5 million dollars.

Uh, why exactly? Please don't tell me THIS is the answer at short for next season. The guy's only cracked a 700 OPS twice this decade.

Meanwhile, John McDonald produced a .579 OPS and Russ Adams produced a .601 OPS. Second base was a HUGE hole for the Jays last year, and they filled it as best they could. Clayton's no world beater, but he's a huge improvement.

[CanadianChris 0]

Jays signed Royce Clayton for a one year 1.5 million dollars.

Uh, why exactly? Please don't tell me THIS is the answer at short for next season. The guy's only cracked a 700 OPS twice this decade.

Meanwhile, John McDonald produced a .579 OPS and Russ Adams produced a .601 OPS. Second base was a HUGE hole for the Jays last year, and they filled it as best they could. Clayton's no world beater, but he's a huge improvement.

Shortstop. And I don't know I'd exactly call it a huge improvement, although it is somewhat of an improvement, I guess. Heck, Alex Gonzalez would have been better.

[Kahran Ramsus 0]

Last I heard the Jays were committed to using Hill at SS next season rather than 2B. Has this changed recently?

[CanadianChris 0]

Last I heard the Jays were committed to using Hill at SS next season rather than 2B. Has this changed recently?

The Star reported the change today:

 

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentSe...4&t=TS_Home

[Kahran Ramsus 0]

Last I heard the Jays were committed to using Hill at SS next season rather than 2B. Has this changed recently?

The Star reported the change yesterday:

 

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentSe...4&t=TS_Home

 

Thanks.

[Guest NYankees]

I haven't thought in depth about an alternative. I've seen it suggested that they should essentially be FAs, but the posting team would receive 10% of the total contract value. Once again, that favors the rich teams, but it might alleviate some of the corruption.

 

It's been speculated that in the end the Red Sox should break even on the $51 million posting, after deductions are applied to revenue sharing and state taxes and whatever new revenue streams are opened up (including any kickbacks from Seibu). They've found a way to use flaws in the system to lock up what could be one of the greatest pitchers of our time at a below market rate. Like I said, whether I'm a fan or not, it's not fair.

 

On a separate note, sounds like the JD Drew deal is done or almost done. Four years with a vesting option for the 5th. Total contract value is about $70 million. Given the market, I can live with that. Durability is still an issue, but he was the best hitter in this market and is an outstanding defensive player. He fits the Sox' needs perfectly.

 

 

You can live with that? You could have kept Damon for 20-30 million dollars cheaper. Damon runs into a wall and is playing the next game. I cant say the same about JD Drew.

[Brett Favre 0]

Drew doesn't seem like the type of guy that would fit in a place like Boston, or New York. Then again, he doesn't look like he gives a crap half the time, so maybe it won't matter.

[vivalaultra 0]

Hey, who knew that Albert Pujols was a smug bastard?

 

Pujols feels snubbed, says MVP should come from playoff team

Nov. 29, 2006

CBS SportsLine.com wire reports

 

 

 

 

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic -- Albert Pujols thinks he was snubbed.

 

 

 

The St. Louis Cardinals slugger is upset he lost out to Philadelphia's Ryan Howard for the National League MVP award, saying on Wednesday the honor should go to someone on a playoff team.

 

"I see it this way: Someone who doesn't take his team to the playoffs doesn't deserve to win the MVP," Pujols said in Spanish at a news conference organized by the Dominican Republic's sports ministry.

 

Pujols led the Cardinals to the NL Central title this year and their first World Series championship since 1982. Howard and the Phillies missed the playoffs -- though they won two more regular-season games than St. Louis did.

 

The Dominican-born Pujols batted .331 with 49 home runs and 137 RBI, while Howard hit .313 with 58 homers and 149 RBI.

 

 

Albert Pujols doesn't think a non-playoff player should win the MVP. (Getty Images)

Howard received 20 first-place votes for MVP and 388 points in balloting by a panel of the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Pujols received 12 first-place votes and 347 points. Voting is conducted before the postseason.

 

Pujols, the 2005 NL MVP, said he has bigger dreams -- a spot in the U.S. Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. The BBWAA also votes for the Hall of Fame.

 

"It is still early but it is a dream I have," Pujols said. "My hope is that in good time I will have sufficient numbers to get to Cooperstown."

 

Pujols praised several moves the Cardinals have made this offseason, including signing second baseman Adam Kennedy and pitcher Kip Wells. The slugger noted that his club had been hoping to land fellow Dominican star Alfonso Soriano, who instead agreed to a $136 million deal with the Chicago Cubs.

 

"I thought we were going to sign Soriano, but it wasn't possible. We also intended to trade for him during the season, but the Nationals wanted too much for him," Pujols said.

 

AP NEWS

The Associated Press News Service

 

Copyright 2005-2006, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved

 

I can sort of understand his point, but he just kinda seems whiny...especially considering that the Phillies won 85 games this past season while "MVPujols" only powered his team to 83 wins...

[Annabelle 0]

whats up with the markets disinterest in mark mulder? understanding that he's had surgery recently, ywo years ago he was considered a top 10 pitcher in the league. i can't believe there isn't someone willing to take a risk with him. like even .500 pitchers like randy wolf have been getting more pub than this guy. whats up? i have not heard one team linked to him in negotiations.

[Guest]

I can sort of understand his point, but he just kinda seems whiny...especially considering that the Phillies won 85 games this past season while "MVPujols" only powered his team to 83 wins...

More like A-jols.

 

LAWL