2006-07 MLB Offseason Thread

[2GOLD 0]

The perspective remains the same, the Red Sox and their fans can never use the phrase "buying a championship" or "evil empire" aimed at the Yankees or any team ever again.

 

Last I heard, the opinions on this guy were mixed. Probably the Cubs did that bidding, cause they apparently want to join the Sox and Yankees as teams blowing money on anything that moves. Either the Mets or the Cubs.

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

The perspective remains the same, the Red Sox and their fans can never use the phrase "buying a championship" or "evil empire" aimed at the Yankees or any team ever again.

 

Really, even though the Red Sox have to now jettison one of the best hitters of our generation to afford the contract? Look, I know that the Red Sox spend a ton of money and have an unfair competitive advantage over nearly every team in MLB but they still aren't the Yankees and they never will be. They will still put out a payroll comparable to the Angels, White Sox, Mets, Dodgers and Cubs next year.

[vivalaultra 0]

So, is Larry Lucchino playing "dirty pool"? I heard that term used on the local AM sports show on the way home. I heard that he's potentially lowballing Matsuzaka and would not have a problem with recouping the $51.1 million if a deal can't be reached. I can't wait to see what Zito, Schmidt, etc. are gonna be asking for contractwise if Dice-K gets some ungodly amount of money.

 

Edit: The Cardinals have made moves! Big moves! They've brought in Kip Wells...Kip Wells? Yeah...Kip Wells! The Astros were looking at Kip. They also signed Adam Kennedy, Eli Marrero (to a Minor League deal) and resigned Gary Bennet.

[Prophet of Mike Zagurski 0]

The LA Angels of Anaheim is also known as the Cardinals minor league affiliate.

 

I need to go to more Quakes games. The Angels really haven't done anything in the free agent pool. All the Angels do is call up another minor leaguer to take the place of someone they released.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

A couple thoughts...

 

-Randy Wolf got a one year contract at $8 Million, Adam Eaton got 3 years/$24 Million. How's it that the Phils lost Wolf while signing a pitcher for the same annual salary? They likely see Eaton as the better pitcher, but Philly fans can NOT be happy about this one.

 

-David Dellucci could be a huge bargain. The nice thing at least is that the Phils get TWO first round draft picks in return.

 

-Now the Orioles are picking up Williamson AND Bradford. There's nothing more amusing than a bad team that thinks its bullpen is its biggest problem.

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

Summary of Peter Gammons' appearance on the Hotlist today:

 

-The Matsuzaka contract will get done no matter what. Seibu will kick back money or extend the negotiating window if they have to. There is far too much at stake for all the involved parties to let this thing die over money. Peter expects negotiations to go up until the last minute.

 

-For the first time, he truly believes that Manny Ramirez will be traded. They will sign Drew after the arbirtration deadline and then look for the best deal out there. They want three players back. Dodgers have the best fit, but their scouting director will never sign off on the prospects Boston wants

 

-The Yankees have mild interest in Jason Schmidt, but the Cubs and Mariners still have the inside track. Cubs have offered 3/$44 million, but he would still like to go back to the northwest

 

-Piazza will probably be the Thomas replacement in Oakland, and Barry Bonds is just a pipedream. Bonds probably won't sign anywhere until at least February.

 

-Glavine is probably going to go back to Atlanta for family reasons. If so, Zito would probably end up a Met and the Braves would look to deal Tim Hudson

 

-Roger Clemens probably won't pitch next year. Houston does not want to pay him. Boston is possible if the Matsuzaka negotiations stall out

[vivalaultra 0]

I think Peter Gammons is wrong about Clemens. Houston would give him the freakin' moon to pitch next year. I could see him come in for a full year (hopefully not at $22 million) or a half-year at $11 million ($10 million of which Clemens donated to build a new children's wing on the local hospital). Either way, for the last two years, Clemen's salary hasn't come out of the payroll, it's come out of Uncle Drayton McClane's wallet. I'm more sure of Clemens coming back than Pettitte at this point. And with the 2nd and 3rd tier pitcher's flying off the shelves, both of them probably need to come back to make the Astros front-runners for the division.

[strummer 0]

According to the Mets sites I visit (reliable sources, I've posted them here before and they are usually right), Tom Glavine has turned down the Mets offer and will be returning to the Braves.

[devo 0]

Glavine is probably going to go back to Atlanta for family reasons.

 

There is the matter of Glavine wanting a no-trade clause and Scherholz (sp) not wanting to give him one, but I'd imagine that's the only major roadblock in him being a Brave again.

 

Shame, really. I'd have loved to see him get his 300th win as a Met.

[Kahran Ramsus 0]

Well, then. Zaun was who I'd hoped they would sign in the first place, so I'm not at all upset. Weird turn of events, though.

 

I don't know why they wanted to get rid of him anyways.

[tominator89 0]

A couple thoughts...

 

-Randy Wolf got a one year contract at $8 Million, Adam Eaton got 3 years/$24 Million. How's it that the Phils lost Wolf while signing a pitcher for the same annual salary? They likely see Eaton as the better pitcher, but Philly fans can NOT be happy about this one.

 

I heard the Phils made Wolf a nice offer but he wanted to pitch closer to his hometown.

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

A couple thoughts...

 

-Randy Wolf got a one year contract at $8 Million, Adam Eaton got 3 years/$24 Million. How's it that the Phils lost Wolf while signing a pitcher for the same annual salary? They likely see Eaton as the better pitcher, but Philly fans can NOT be happy about this one.

 

I understand that your point is that Eaton and Wolf are essentially the same pitcher, but it's not exactly like Wolf is a great candidate for a breakout season. He hasn't been healthly since 2003, and even then he put up an ERA+ of 97. I don't like the years or the money for Eaton, but at least he will probably contribute something over the life of the deal.

 

Hey Al, where do you see that the Phils got two draft picks out of Dellucci and Wolf. Wolf's not an A or B is he?

 

-Now the Orioles are picking up Williamson AND Bradford. There's nothing more amusing than a bad team that thinks its bullpen is its biggest problem.

 

It's like putting new rims on your car when it has no engine or body. The Orioles don't seem to have any clue, do they?

[vivalaultra 0]

Maybe the Phils didn't want their rotation to be too "lefty-centric", with Wolfe, Hamels, and "The Ageless" Jaime Moyer.

[Cheech Tremendous 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

[devo 0]

Guess I'm not surprised. I just hope this isn't some sort of jab at the Red Sox, trying to undercut the Sox' success at landing Matsuzaka by going after Igawa. As posted above, this guy's potential at best appears to be that of a No. 2 or 3 starter. Maybe the Yankees know something we don't.

[Guest NYankees]

It would be funny if he turns out to be a better pitcher than D Mat for half the cost.

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

It would be funny if he turns out to be a better pitcher than D Mat for half the cost.

 

Yeah, and it would also be funny if Jeff Suppan ends up better than Johan Santana. Probably just as likely, too.

[snuffbox 0]

Clemens used almost all of last year's salary to help build a children's hospital?

[naiwf 0]

I can all but guarantee Jeff Suppan is a better RHP than Santana, but that's about it.

 

Anyway, I'm hoping the new Japanese imports are as successful as Kaz Matsui was for the Mets just so people stop spending millions of dollars just to bargain with them. It reminds me of when collegiate guys were drafted into the NBA before the advent of slotted salaries, and someone like 'Big Dog' Robinson got about $68 million over 10 years before playing a MINUTE of NBA action while future HoFers like Charles Barkley and Patrick Ewing were still making $ 3 or 4 million per.

[vivalaultra 0]

Clemens used almost all of last year's salary to help build a children's hospital?

 

Yeah. He donated $10 million or so of it to help build a children's wing at Methodist hospital. He's donated a hefty chunk of his Astros' money to various charities. One of the stipulations when he first came to Houston in '04 was that he'd get 22 Diamond Club level seats right behind home plate for each home game, and he always gives those out to kids with cancer and such. That's why I just can't buy all the talk about him being some crumudgeonly ogre. And God, I hope he comes back...and Pettitte. Wandy Rodriguez a playoff contender does not make.

[devo 0]

Bradford and Williamson are officially Os.

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?sectio...&id=2679094

 

It's preliminary, but 3 years/$10.5 million for Bradford? Yeesh. He was great last year, but it's a lot of money to spend on a pitcher that's basically a one-batter or one-inning specialist.

[bob_barron 0]

-Glavine is probably going to go back to Atlanta for family reasons. If so, Zito would probably end up a Met and the Braves would look to deal Tim Hudson

 

Scheurholz can't be this stupid

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

-Glavine is probably going to go back to Atlanta for family reasons. If so, Zito would probably end up a Met and the Braves would look to deal Tim Hudson

 

Scheurholz can't be this stupid

 

He's not stupid. Glavine is a better pitcher and Hudson still has enough name value to bring back something good in a trade.

[Craig Th 0]

The BoSox better get some goooood pups if they trade Manny. Ortiz is as good as he is because of Manny.

[bob_barron 0]

-Glavine is probably going to go back to Atlanta for family reasons. If so, Zito would probably end up a Met and the Braves would look to deal Tim Hudson

 

Scheurholz can't be this stupid

 

He's not stupid. Glavine is a better pitcher and Hudson still has enough name value to bring back something good in a trade.

 

Hudson's a steal at 7 mil I believe. He was inconsistent the first half of last season but finished strong down the stretch. The only reason his record isn't better is because of the horrible bullpen.

 

Unless he's willing to take a severe paycut so they don't need to trade anyone, I do not want Glavine back in a Braves uniform

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

-Glavine is probably going to go back to Atlanta for family reasons. If so, Zito would probably end up a Met and the Braves would look to deal Tim Hudson

 

Scheurholz can't be this stupid

 

He's not stupid. Glavine is a better pitcher and Hudson still has enough name value to bring back something good in a trade.

 

Hudson's a steal at 7 mil I believe. He was inconsistent the first half of last season but finished strong down the stretch. The only reason his record isn't better is because of the horrible bullpen.

 

Unless he's willing to take a severe paycut so they don't need to trade anyone, I do not want Glavine back in a Braves uniform

 

Tim Hudson has had three straight years of declining peripherals and posted an ERA+ of 91 last year. His WHIP has been through the roof since he left the spacious confines of Oakland-Alameda. The fact that he is a steal at $7 million is precisely why they would look into trading him. He could bring a lot back in a trade. Glavine may be 40, but he hasn't lost anything off his game recently.

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

The BoSox better get some goooood pups if they trade Manny. Ortiz is as good as he is because of Manny.

 

The idea of lineup protection is one of the most overstated in baseball. One baseball writer noted that the Red Sox would be toast without Manny because Ortiz would walk 200 times. Great, I'll take .500 OBP over a few clutch hits any day.

 

If the Dodgers traded Broxton and Loney to the Red Sox and assumed the remainder of the contract, the Sox would use the savings to sign Drew and Lugo and have all of their holes filled in one fell swoop. On paper, that's a better team than the one they are projecting to put out now. It's inherently more risky than just keeping Manny, but I think both sides are really ready to move on.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

I understand that your point is that Eaton and Wolf are essentially the same pitcher, but it's not exactly like Wolf is a great candidate for a breakout season. He hasn't been healthly since 2003, and even then he put up an ERA+ of 97. I don't like the years or the money for Eaton, but at least he will probably contribute something over the life of the deal.

 

It's not that Eaton and Wolf are comparable. Wolf was an extremely popular player in Philadelphia. The huge fad of player fan clubs started with the Wolf Pack. He's the kind of player the fans probably wanted to keep if at all possible. Nothing to do with pure ability.

 

Hey Al, where do you see that the Phils got two draft picks out of Dellucci and Wolf. Wolf's not an A or B is he?

 

They got two picks for Dellucci, none for Wolf. The Phils have two more Type A free agents, Mike Lieberthal and Aaron Fultz. Lieberthal won't get offered arbitration, but Fultz will.

[MarvinisaLunatic 0]

Bradford and Williamson are officially Os.

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?sectio...&id=2679094

 

It's preliminary, but 3 years/$10.5 million for Bradford? Yeesh. He was great last year, but it's a lot of money to spend on a pitcher that's basically a one-batter or one-inning specialist.

 

New Ultimatum. The bullpen better not allow 1 single run the whole season next year. This is absolutely rediculous. All the talk about spending money this offseason and its on relievers..the Bullpen WAS horrible last year (19-25, 5.25 ERA and 35 saves in 56 opportunities), but they didn't need to sign 5 guys to fix it (counting Wright who may/may not end up out there)

 

If there is any good news, I suppose its that they will trade/release Bruce Chen, Russ Ortiz, Rodrigo Lopez who all have no spot now out in the bullpen and wont make the rotation.

Apparently as well, Chris Ray is rumored to be trade bait and they could use Baez or Williamson in the closer role. I REALLY REALLY REALLY like Chris Ray though..so I hope thats not true.

[bob_barron 0]

Tim Hudson has had three straight years of declining peripherals and posted an ERA+ of 91 last year. His WHIP has been through the roof since he left the spacious confines of Oakland-Alameda. The fact that he is a steal at $7 million is precisely why they would look into trading him. He could bring a lot back in a trade. Glavine may be 40, but he hasn't lost anything off his game recently.

 

I don't know how Hudson's exact stats, but he's been a good pitcher his last two seasons. He got off to a slow start last season, but he rebounded as the year went on. Glavine is old, wasn't very durable last season and I just do not want him on the Braves.