Baseball Winter 2007 Hot Stove League

[Sausy]

A place to discuss the latest trades,free agent signings,awards,,keep baseball alive the next couple months in the busiest part of the off season.So many things coming up this would be the best place to bring them together,so let's have a great time talking baseball one more time before spring training!

 

[sonny10305]

Great Idea!!
I'll start with the Mets of course

Well we gotta start with A-Rod, I don't want him, Let LA or the Angels have him. I think Boston is after him as well. I still think he will end up with the Yankees. It will be late December before a deal is struck. I think Omar was interested in A-Rod but just as interested in getting cozy with power agent Boras who also represents Eric Gagne and Kyle Lohse, both free agents.

Second baseman Luis Castillo and catcher Paul Lo Duca are free agents. The Mets have to sign them or look elsewhere. In the case of second base, it would be in a trade. The Mets’ may need a starting pitcher, I think Glavin is going to finish his career in Atlanta. Which may be best for him cause he was not really a good fit for the Mets, he did not have a good year with them. The Braves have a new owner and may be willing to spend more money on players than they were able to last season. Atlanta has much more interest this year than last.
Of course With Pedro Martinez, Orlando Hernandez, Oliver Perez, John Maine and Mike Pelfrey in the mix (and Philip Humber and Kevin Mulvey as insurance, the Mets' rotation could be comprised of pitchers they already have.
Plus I expect Sosa to be back.
We really need relief help, and I know the Nats would give up Cordero but who would they want, Gomez? Pelfrey? The Mets would be nuts to give up Gomez, he is going to be awesome, I love that kid's spunk and have you watched him run? beep beep. Pelfrey started out well in spring training but he never really came through for us.

Catching is a question as well, Paul Lo Duca wants to come back but the Mets only want him as a last resort. A catcher could come via a trade or free agency.
like Posada

The Mets have make several minor moves, the one I like so far is re-signing infielder Marlon Anderson. I was sorry they declined their options on Valentín. David Newhan is going back to AAA , and he should, he's just not ready.
More good news, Moises Alou and Damion Easley will return next season.

Oh and one last thing,
DON'T MESS WITH DAVID WRIGHT, LEAVE HIM AT AT THIRD BASE!

 

[Sausy]

Wouldn't have expected you to start with anyone else,sonny!I'm keeping most of my Mets stuff in your thread,but if really must talk about news comes up ,I sure will add to the conversation on this thread as well!

 

[sonny10305]

Wouldn't have expected you to start with anyone else,sonny!I'm keeping most of my Mets stuff in your thread,but if really must talk about news comes up ,I sure will add to the conversation on this thread as well!

You got it babe, I will do the same

 

[Sausy]

Reading rumors that the Yankee third base search may land Scott Rolen.So Abs,I know he's your hubby,but we in the New York area will take GOOD care of him if he indeed is A-Rod's sucessor at third.Shoulder injuries are a concern,but if he's healthy,his top flight defense and .290,25-30,100 RBI type seasons,with plenty of doubles and his gamer ,grinder demeanor will play quite well here.Then I also read Yanks were considering Morgan Ensberg...goody.

 

[sonny10305]

Posada will be free to negotiate with other teams beginning tomorrow, but at this point, I just don't see a bidding war between the Mets and Yankees, who the only two teams I think Posada would seriously consider playing for. Forget LA, it ain't gonna happen, besides they don't need a catcher, they need a third baseman. PLEASE, take a-Rod
Should the Yankees manage to sign Posada before he hits the open market on Tuesday, they would save themselves the trouble of a potential bidding war in a free agent pool with not a whole lot of good catching talent
I am expecting Rivera to get resigned as well.

 

[sonny10305]

And so it begins.

The Yankees signed Posada to a four-year, $52.4 million contract, I guess that takes care of him on the free-agent market. I am sure Mariano Rivera is next.

Now what about third?
This Tejada idea ain’t gonna happen, I mean can he even play third? The Yankees should go after Cabrera, I am sure Girardi would love that.
Or how about Lowell, He’s pretty much done with Boston, I am sure Boston would then go after A-Rod. Then there is Mora, he's played the position, and he's played in New York, so he can handle the pressure.

So, I guess first choice for me would be Cabrera, then Lowell or Mora, forget Tejada.

Sure is gonna be an interesting next couple of weeks

 

[flyingfree]

And so it begins.

Now what about third?

Mike Lowell (a former NY Yankee) is my choice because he would only cost the Yankees a 4-year contract and no players. Perhaps the team in Boston would then enrage their fan base and sign Alex Rodriguez to a contract of 8 years in excess of $240 million.

 

[sonny10305]

Mike Lowell (a former NY Yankee) is my choice because he would only cost the Yankees a 4-year contract and no players. Perhaps the team in Boston would then enrage their fan base and sign Alex Rodriguez to a contract of 8 years in excess of $240 million.

While Lowell should be able to get a four-year guaranteed deal in the open market, I think he really wants to remain in Boston.
I think the Sox have offered a three-year deal to Lowell, but I don't think he felt good about it. The Red Sox assign a value to each player, and the value they placed on Lowell apparently is three years and no more.

As for A-Rod going to Boston, OMG, I had not even thought about how those
wacky Boston fans would react. (sorry, Shepherd, Bradley), but come on, you guys are nuts
Red Sox Nation can have him, I just want him to stay the hell away from the Mets.

 

[Absolut]

If the Cardinals don't resign David Eckstein...I'm gonna be really sad

I understand the whole "testing the waters" of the free agent pool on both sides, but I love my little Sparky!

However, there is some good news - Juan Uribe resigned with the White Sox, Edgar Renteria with the Tigers, and the Giants signed Omar Vizquel. Now that those guys are committed, there aren't many more teams that I can think of that are searching for a shortstop.

Come back David!!! I LOVE YOU!!!

 

[Sausy]

And so it begins.

The Yankees signed Posada to a four-year, $52.4 million contract, I guess that takes care of him on the free-agent market. I am sure Mariano Rivera is next.

Now what about third?
This Tejada idea ain’t gonna happen, I mean can he even play third? The Yankees should go after Cabrera, I am sure Girardi would love that.
Or how about Lowell, He’s pretty much done with Boston, I am sure Boston would then go after A-Rod. Then there is Mora, he's played the position, and he's played in New York, so he can handle the pressure.

So, I guess first choice for me would be Cabrera, then Lowell or Mora, forget Tejada.

Sure is gonna be an interesting next couple of weeks

I really believe Posada would have become a Met had the Yankees not upped their offer.Great move and I'm thrilled he's back,and hope Mariano Rivera will accept his increased offer from the Yankees.When will they ever learn though and extend contracts of proven veterans when they had the chance after last season?It always winds up costing than a lot more playing the waiting game than licking up their best players for a little more reasonable rates.they'd both be pushing 40 at the end of these contracts,so hopefully they will still remain productive til then.It's the right move now,but still a gamble.

I love Cabrera as a hitter,but he has gotten fat and complacent defensively,and he would be a statue at third base with his immobility...that scares me and so does the asking price.It appears the Yanks aren't going to give the moon for him.That's why I loved the recent Scott Rolen talk,even if it is just rumor.Healthy,he would be just fine offensively and still is a great defensive third baseman with a contract that would be undervalued if he really is over his shoulder woes.But if Lowell isn't going to re-up with Boston(I can't for the life of me think of any reason they wouldn't rush to get his talent and character back)he should be the Yankees first,second,and third choice.He had Scott Brosius in the way when he was a highly regarded Yankee prospect,let's welcome him home.

I don't think they'd seriously consider Tejada unless they were running out of options.

 

[Sausy]

If the Cardinals don't resign David Eckstein...I'm gonna be really sad

I understand the whole "testing the waters" of the free agent pool on both sides, but I love my little Sparky!

However, there is some good news - Juan Uribe resigned with the White Sox, Edgar Renteria with the Tigers, and the Giants signed Omar Vizquel. Now that those guys are committed, there aren't many more teams that I can think of that are searching for a shortstop.

Come back David!!! I LOVE YOU!!!

Who would you miss more Abs...David Eckstein or Scott Rolen?I don't understand why it looks like St.Louis isn't really pushing to re-sign David.He's still a quality shortstop who is in his prime years.He's a gutsy grinder who won't be easy to replace as a team player.

 

[sonny10305]

If the Cardinals don't resign David Eckstein...I'm gonna be really sad

I understand the whole "testing the waters" of the free agent pool on both sides, but I love my little Sparky!

However, there is some good news - Juan Uribe resigned with the White Sox, Edgar Renteria with the Tigers, and the Giants signed Omar Vizquel. Now that those guys are committed, there aren't many more teams that I can think of that are searching for a shortstop.

Come back David!!! I LOVE YOU!!!

Well Cory, The White Sox took a pass, they re-signed Juan Uribe.
For sure, Eckstein is the best free-agent shortstop available, including Royce Clayton, but he doesn’t appear to have many options but St. Louis. I can't think of to many teams looking for a shortstop either, maybe the Devil Rays are looking for an upgrade at the position, but I dono if they are interested in him.
Maybe the Cards will re sign Eckstein for short money, like one year with an, option for two. I'll keep my fingers crossed for ya.

 

[sonny10305]

I
I love Cabrera as a hitter,but he has gotten fat and complacent defensively,and he would be a statue at third base with his immobility...that scares me and so does the asking price.It appears the Yanks aren't going to give the moon for him.That's why I loved the recent Scott Rolen talk,even if it is just rumor.Healthy,he would be just fine offensively and still is a great defensive third baseman with a contract that would be undervalued if he really is over his shoulder woes.But if Lowell isn't going to re-up with Boston(I can't for the life of me think of any reason they wouldn't rush to get his talent and character back)he should be the Yankees first,second,and third choice.He had Scott Brosius in the way when he was a highly regarded Yankee prospect,let's welcome him home.

I don't think they'd seriously consider Tejada unless they were running out of options.

I thought about Rolen too.
I don't think he's happy with the Cardinal's, maybe he wants/needs a fresh start with another team. But then there is that little problem of the $36 million left on his deal. AND his relationship with La Russa.
I am not sure about his shoulder problems, it pretty much ruined his 2007 performance and ended his season early. Then there is that habit of his popping the ball up in the infield.
Maybe the Cards need to bet on Rolen making a strong shoulder recovery.
Plus, what team will pick up the $36 million of Rolen's contract.?

 

[sonny10305]

The Yankees’ latest offer to Mariano Rivera is three years for $45 million, that's about 5 mill up from the last offer. Wouldn't that make him the highest paid closer ever? I'm wondering what he is holding out for, the Yankees are NOT gonna go higher.
I know, let me have him for the Mets, I am getting really tired of Wagner and all his drama, loading up the bases and blowin saves,
Yeah, I know, dream on Joey.

So It looks like A-Rod is sniffin around the Yankees again, wants to talk.
I have been sayin since day one, A-Rod is going to remain with the Yankees.
But wait! there's more, The Yankees are seriously talking to Lowell, which may be why poor Alex may be doing an about face. Lowell wants 4 years and Boston is sticking to 3.
In order to keep Lowell I think Boston has to give him four years and about $54 Million. What will the Yankees offer him?
Better Hurry A-Rod, times running out. You better get your butt to Tampa and meet with the Steinbrenners, tell you made a mistake by opting out of your contract. Go ahead now, stop crying like a little girl, get back in a Yankee uniform and get the job done in '08. The Mets are waitin for a subway series next year. Oh by the way Alex, in case you had not heard, a pole taken of Mets fans, revelved over 75% DO NOT want you in a Mets uniform. Sorry dude

 

[Absolut]

okie, several comments

Who would you miss more Abs...David Eckstein or Scott Rolen?I don't understand why it looks like St.Louis isn't really pushing to re-sign David.He's still a quality shortstop who is in his prime years.He's a gutsy grinder who won't be easy to replace as a team player.

I couldn't have said it better Sausy! I love watching David at the plate. He will hack at anything thrown at him, and rarely strikes out. He'll let a ball hit him just to get on base. The trainers worked with him previous to the 2005 season specifically to strengthen his arm when throwing to first. And, who else have you seen that chucks it hard down to first base after a walk?

Maybe the Cards will re sign Eckstein for short money, like one year with an, option for two. I'll keep my fingers crossed for ya.

I hope so. Thanks for crossing something for me babe

I thought about Rolen too.
I don't think he's happy with the Cardinal's, maybe he wants/needs a fresh start with another team. But then there is that little problem of the $36 million left on his deal. AND his relationship with La Russa.
I am not sure about his shoulder problems, it pretty much ruined his 2007 performance and ended his season early. Then there is that habit of his popping the ball up in the infield.
Maybe the Cards need to bet on Rolen making a strong shoulder recovery.
Plus, what team will pick up the $36 million of Rolen's contract.?

Scotty was not himself this year. Obviously the shoulder problems don't help, and I don't think he will ever be the same no matter how many surgeries he goes through. The whole Rolen-LaRussa debacle last year was fucking annoying - I really wanted to tell Scott (even though I love love love him) to sit the hell down and take it like a man. You were playing like shit, and LaRussa SHOULD have benched your ass. Don't sit there and talk shit to disrupt the momentum of the post season. *breathes in* ok I'm done with the cussing.

And sonny, I agree. I don't think anyone will want to pick up his $36 mil for fear of him getting hurt again or something. Time will tell.

I want baseball back nowwwwwwwww!

 

[Sausy]

Thanks for your comments Abs,sonny!I want baseball back too!Hot stove league is always fun with the offseason moves,though.

It's nice to hear that A-Rod is crawling back to the Yanks,but it is really hard for me to believe he and the Yanks can deal without Scott Boras,which is the Yanks condition for talks to happen.Shutting out Scott Boras....can his overinflated ego(or the Player's Union) handle such a slap in the face?!(I'm loving it,though)At least sonny it appears the Mets don't really want him....I think he would be,like you do,the completely wrong priority this offseason!Pitching ace,pitching ace!!!

The Mets and Yanks could use a couple of players that have the heart and grit of David Eckstein,though.I hope he does re-sign with St.Louis,even if for like a two-year deal.

 

[Absolut]

I fucking hate Scott Boras.

*deja vu?*

 

[Sausy]

It appears that Scott Boras may have decided on a saving face tactic that while far from getting A-Rod that 10-year,$350,000,000 contract he boasted he would get,working and advising A-Rod behind the scenes(though A-Rod only met with the Yankees high command,as the Yankees set as essential for them to agree to meet with and negotiate with A-Rod on a return) certainly was rich enough.I'm hearing ten years,$280,000,000....which had the anal retentive Boras had allowed a face to face with A-Rod and said high command before,the Yanks probably would have gone up to.Egg on his face,the average value of the contract isn't even $30,000,000 a year,but still ,to hit a ball with a bat,run,catch and throw is still kinda mind boggling.A-Rod may be an asshole,but again he's our asshole!

Still,you have to figure the Yanks will make a run for pitching,and by next year will have to bring in more youth in position players,as they have a lot of age in that lineup outside of Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera.A-Rod is 33,Derek Jeter 34,Jorge Posada 37,Bobby Abreu 34,Johhny Damon 35,Hideki Matsui 34.Jeter,Posada and A-Rod will be there for the duration of their careers,so the other oldies and still pretty goodies have to be phased out by younger,far less costly players(as the young bucks Hughes,Chamberlain and Kennedy,all 24 or less next year in the pitching staff).The money given out to Posada(4 years,$52 mil)closer Mariano Rivera(who still HASN'T accepted 3 years,$45 mil) exercising the 2008 option on Abreu(16mil) and A-Rod is staggering.You need some young blood just to keep the already exploding ticket prices(good luck Yankee fans who would want to buy tickets to Yankee games in the new stadium opening in 2009)within any semblance of an occasional indulgence for the unconnected Yankee fan.Even the bleacher bums I hear are getting their own luxury boxes with a caviar and wine bar)!

 

[Sausy]

Sonny,at least our Mets(I feel kinda guilty of being a supporter of both New York teams,but in a head to head,Mets every time!)aren't going to have to deal with acquiring A-Rod and the possibility of moving David Wright from third to whatever to fit him at third!David Wright is our third baseman and will win several more Gold Gloves he TRULY will deserve once he steps up defensively especially on his throwing.I heard a rumor that really would be staggering if any truth to it,and after the money spent on A-Rod,think is just a vicious rumor leaked to deflate the sky-high egos of Red Sox Nation.Sit down now,boys and boys and hold on tight to that hottie next to you....Mike Lowell to Yanks,4 years and over $50 mil to play first base.Necessary,hell no...Intriguing,hell yeah!Just because to the Red Sox,and NOT in that nice Robert way! but it's probably like I said a mean,kick in the balls rumor.Again,just because they're the Evil Empire!