Ramirez placed on waivers. Will Steinbrenner bite or won´t he?
Baseball Off-Season Thread
- Thread starter Jens
- Start date
Jens said:
As a Yankee fan, I hope not. IMO, he's more trouble than he's worth. I hope nobody claims him and the Red Sox have to keep him. It should make for a real happy clubhouse.
Jens said:
The Blosox are trying to dump Manny and his salary so that they can make a run at Vlad Guerrero. I think the Yankees and Orioles have the $$ to be ahead of them in the quest for his services. I think Cashman knows better than to pick up Ramirez when one of the best outfielders around is waiting to leave Canada and immigrate to the USA.
Jens said:
According to ESPN, the Yankees do not want Ramirez. His conduct during the ALCS is obvious as to why he's not going to New York. In other news, the White Sox resigned Big Frank Thomas. Man, I sure am hoping for a World Series next season.
DA Bears... said:
You sound like a Boston fan.
IMO, I can see Manny with the Mets perhaps...if he wants to go to NY that badly. I think the Yanks will get Guerrero.
Rumors here are that the Mets want mid-market free agents. They are supposedly interested in Matsui (not Hideki), the Japanese infielder, and are talking about moving Reyes to second base.
MrMarcello said:
Actually I'm a White Sox fan but I was cheering for Boston once my Sox were out of it. They're definitely my second favorite team.
Rumor mill spinning in Dallas/Fort Worth...if the Sox can unload Manny's salary to another team, the deal would send Nomar and 1-2 prospects to Texas for ARod. 
Nomar is a free agent after next season. Freeing up ARod's salary will allow Texas to make a lucrative pitch to Kerry Wood (Dallas native), also a free agent after 2004. Probably means Texas would let Nomar leave after one season and go with a youngster or cheap/middle priced free agent at SS. Texas and Houston will wage a war for Andy Pettitte's signature (Pettitte is from Texas and has publicly stated his desire to return home). Texas could have a solid pitching staff in 2005 if things go to plan- Wood, Pettitte, Park/Thompson, Valdes, Benoit. The team could trade Park if a team is willing to pick up the remaining 3 years of his deal for about $13 million per. Park was one of the worst signings in MLB history when relating performace to salary.
Nomar is a free agent after next season. Freeing up ARod's salary will allow Texas to make a lucrative pitch to Kerry Wood (Dallas native), also a free agent after 2004. Probably means Texas would let Nomar leave after one season and go with a youngster or cheap/middle priced free agent at SS. Texas and Houston will wage a war for Andy Pettitte's signature (Pettitte is from Texas and has publicly stated his desire to return home). Texas could have a solid pitching staff in 2005 if things go to plan- Wood, Pettitte, Park/Thompson, Valdes, Benoit. The team could trade Park if a team is willing to pick up the remaining 3 years of his deal for about $13 million per. Park was one of the worst signings in MLB history when relating performace to salary.
MrMarcello said:Rumor mill spinning in Dallas/Fort Worth...if the Sox can unload Manny's salary to another team, the deal would send Nomar and 1-2 prospects to Texas for ARod.
Nomar is a free agent after next season. Freeing up ARod's salary will allow Texas to make a lucrative pitch to Kerry Wood (Dallas native), also a free agent after 2004. Probably means Texas would let Nomar leave after one season and go with a youngster or cheap/middle priced free agent at SS. Texas and Houston will wage a war for Andy Pettitte's signature (Pettitte is from Texas and has publicly stated his desire to return home). Texas could have a solid pitching staff in 2005 if things go to plan- Wood, Pettitte, Park/Thompson, Valdes, Benoit. The team could trade Park if a team is willing to pick up the remaining 3 years of his deal for about $13 million per. Park was one of the worst signings in MLB history when relating performace to salary.
I doubt that the Red Sox would unload BOTH Nomar and Manny, that's a significant portion of their hitting lineup. If they were to get awesome pitching as a result, I can see that happening, but otherwise no. I've heard rumours of the White Sox signing Pettitte but as you stated he wants to go to his home state so that looks doubtful. It's also possible that we get Sidney Ponson.
They are getting rid of Manny one way or another...even though he has a guaranteed contract (which is stupid in pro sports that clubs give them out), it might be in his best interest to accept a buy out (say $10 million) and hit the open market by 15 Jan if no team will make a trade for him. He could then sign a one year deal for $5-10 million or an incentive laden deal and hope to cash in again in the following winter's free agency class. MLB contracts do sometimes have buy out clauses, but when a player signs a big deal like Manny has, I doubt if there is a buy out clause. But clubs do this to pull out of a bad deal before the salaries increase in the current contract. So he might have a clause.
Trading Nomar for ARod is a win-win for Boston. Yes they gain an extra $7 million or so in salary for 2004, but they gain the leagues 2nd best hitter (behind Bonds) and a player signed through 2007. Nomar can test free agency next winter and would ask for $16-18 million per season. Why not just take ARod's deal and not worry about negotiations with Nomar that could reach $20 million per season? Also, ARod is a 2x Gold Glove winner while Nomar isn't exactly at the top of the AL defensively. I can definitely see this type of deal occurring.
Oh, and mark this down...Vlad Guerrero will be wearing NY pinstripes.
Trading Nomar for ARod is a win-win for Boston. Yes they gain an extra $7 million or so in salary for 2004, but they gain the leagues 2nd best hitter (behind Bonds) and a player signed through 2007. Nomar can test free agency next winter and would ask for $16-18 million per season. Why not just take ARod's deal and not worry about negotiations with Nomar that could reach $20 million per season? Also, ARod is a 2x Gold Glove winner while Nomar isn't exactly at the top of the AL defensively. I can definitely see this type of deal occurring.
Oh, and mark this down...Vlad Guerrero will be wearing NY pinstripes.
I dont know if u know this but a-rod was placed on waivers in august also and no one wanted him. manny will return to boston and will spend the year with them. Why would the Yankees help boston out and take manny no way? the guy is going to make 20.5 mill next year. Have fun payin that contract boston.
Yankees will get Bartolo colon and hasewaga( bullpen help)
They also need a leadoff hitter someone with a High OBP. The team is loaded with guys who strike out too much, soriano,giambi,boone. That needs to change. They will also re-sign pettitte. THe yankees always focus on pitching so i wont be surprised if they dont sign vlad or sheff.
Who will be the leadoff guy who can play 2b or OF i dunno?
Rotation will look like this Mussina, Pettitte, Colon, Contreras, weaver.
Bullpen: Rivera, Karsay,hasegawa,hammond,heredia,nelson
go yanks!! 3 and half months to spring training
Yankees will get Bartolo colon and hasewaga( bullpen help)
They also need a leadoff hitter someone with a High OBP. The team is loaded with guys who strike out too much, soriano,giambi,boone. That needs to change. They will also re-sign pettitte. THe yankees always focus on pitching so i wont be surprised if they dont sign vlad or sheff.
Who will be the leadoff guy who can play 2b or OF i dunno?
Rotation will look like this Mussina, Pettitte, Colon, Contreras, weaver.
Bullpen: Rivera, Karsay,hasegawa,hammond,heredia,nelson
go yanks!! 3 and half months to spring training
Why is Andy Pettite considering leaving New York?
Steinbrenner can pay him and the Yankees can more or less guarantee him playoff baseball and a shot at the World Series every season. The Yankees could easily be without 3 starting pitchers (Clemens, Wells and Pettite) next season. Never really been a fan of Wells and his style but I somehow feel Pettite is underrated and unappreciated. Is any good starting pitcher a FA except for Pettite?
Steinbrenner can pay him and the Yankees can more or less guarantee him playoff baseball and a shot at the World Series every season. The Yankees could easily be without 3 starting pitchers (Clemens, Wells and Pettite) next season. Never really been a fan of Wells and his style but I somehow feel Pettite is underrated and unappreciated. Is any good starting pitcher a FA except for Pettite?
Pedro Martinez is a FA next year. This could be fun.
Jens said:
Pettitte's dad said he is 50-50 on leaving ny. for some reason i have this feeling that he is coming back especially after his postseason. He better, ill be pissed if he doesnt. The guy is first class i met him during an high school all star game i was playing in at the stadium. he was working out and came out to the dugout and signed autographs for the whole team it was great. Bring him back george.
Bartolo Colon is a free agent, Greg maddux,kevin millwood, and i just read one of castro's boys defected. he lead the cuban leagues in K's and can throw 100mph.
Pettitte has stated his desire to return to Texas. His family lives in Texas year round and visit him during the summer. He said on Fox his kids want him nearby year round as they are at that age when they start to miss dad and want him to attend school stuff and youth games.
Yanks might move Soriano to OF and Bernie to DH...which means Giambi or Johnson could be traded. Giambi in SD could be a nice alternative since the Padres have a new ballpark and said they are willing to spend some money this offseason. But would they take on Giambi's 5 remaining years at $16 million each? The Yanks could offer to pay half the salaries for the first 2 years. This would then allow Johnson to play 1B and he's much better defensively and faster on the bases (not by much though). There is talk of Soriano and Johnson being dealt in a big player deal (not sure with whom). Soriano only made $800k this year and Johnson is about half that same number. If Soriano is moved to OF or traded, the Yanks may go for Luis Castillo or move Aaron Boone to 2B and go after a Joe Randa or maybe use Soriano and/or Johnson in a deal to acquire a good reliever and a solid 3B.
They definitely will be in the Colon and Millwood sweepstakes. They can't get rid of Weaver so he figures to be the #5 starter or a long relief guy. Clemens and Wells will retire and I honestly think Pettitte will sign with either Houston or Texas. So, I expect NY to sign Colon and probably go after a Brian Anderson, Kelvin Escobar, or Glendon Rusch. They Yanks will need a solid LH to replace Pettitte if he leaves and that is where Anderson and Rusch enter. Now, I did hear a rumor of the Yanks possibly going after Vidro and Vazquez for Soriano. They will need to get a top notch LH setup man.
Yanks might move Soriano to OF and Bernie to DH...which means Giambi or Johnson could be traded. Giambi in SD could be a nice alternative since the Padres have a new ballpark and said they are willing to spend some money this offseason. But would they take on Giambi's 5 remaining years at $16 million each? The Yanks could offer to pay half the salaries for the first 2 years. This would then allow Johnson to play 1B and he's much better defensively and faster on the bases (not by much though). There is talk of Soriano and Johnson being dealt in a big player deal (not sure with whom). Soriano only made $800k this year and Johnson is about half that same number. If Soriano is moved to OF or traded, the Yanks may go for Luis Castillo or move Aaron Boone to 2B and go after a Joe Randa or maybe use Soriano and/or Johnson in a deal to acquire a good reliever and a solid 3B.
They definitely will be in the Colon and Millwood sweepstakes. They can't get rid of Weaver so he figures to be the #5 starter or a long relief guy. Clemens and Wells will retire and I honestly think Pettitte will sign with either Houston or Texas. So, I expect NY to sign Colon and probably go after a Brian Anderson, Kelvin Escobar, or Glendon Rusch. They Yanks will need a solid LH to replace Pettitte if he leaves and that is where Anderson and Rusch enter. Now, I did hear a rumor of the Yanks possibly going after Vidro and Vazquez for Soriano. They will need to get a top notch LH setup man.
I don't think that Colon going to NY is a done deal. Boston might want him also, but I do know for sure that he is not coming back to Chicago.
Colon is a great pitcher to eat up innings. He had 11 CGs and a healthy amount of K's with a nice strike/ball ratio. ERA could use improvement but myself, like many others, believe that he only gets stronger as the game progresses. His pitch speed increases as the game wears on, from about a 93mph fastball to a 97 or 98. At times he could have used some work on his change, but whoever picks him up is getting a very reliable and strong pitcher. Hawk Harrelson (announcer for the White Sox) always called him a workhorse, and I agree.
Colon is a great pitcher to eat up innings. He had 11 CGs and a healthy amount of K's with a nice strike/ball ratio. ERA could use improvement but myself, like many others, believe that he only gets stronger as the game progresses. His pitch speed increases as the game wears on, from about a 93mph fastball to a 97 or 98. At times he could have used some work on his change, but whoever picks him up is getting a very reliable and strong pitcher. Hawk Harrelson (announcer for the White Sox) always called him a workhorse, and I agree.
I read in the Ny papers today that manny's agent said that manny wants to be traded to the Ny Yankees.. time will tell. Yankees have too many bad outfielders they dont need another one.
JcUSANY said:
Huh? Bernie is still a good hitter, but has bad knees now. Matsui is a solid hitter. Manny would proved great power and run production in the middle of the lineup. He usually hits .320 or better. He's a horrible defensive OF though. Rather see the Yanks get Vlad. Manny is too moody and I don't think Torre would want to manage him nor put up with his non-chalantness (is that a word?). If Manny came to NYY, he'd have to agree to a reduced contract. The Yanks have much leverage, but who would they give up? Prospects? Nick Johnson? Soriano?
Hopefully my Texas stRangers can have a good off-season. I'd love for the rumored Nomar for ARod deal to go down. Hicks wants to keep the payroll in the 70-80 million range for 2004. He's got a good group of young hitters and some young pitchers coming up. Zimmerman was a solid closer till he blew out his arm but he is expected to be back for 2004. That will help the pen. The starting staff needs a top notch guy and that is why Colon and Pettitte will be courted. The Rangers would love to unload Park's deal, but who wants an over-priced RH starter? Right now, we're not sure if Raffy will return and if he does it will be for $7-8 million. Adrian Gonzalez was acquired in the Urbina trade and he might make the team out of camp. The Rangers are looking at Travis Lee as a stop gap till Gonzales is ready for the show. Tieixera can play 1B too, but it looks like RF will be his future spot. The Rangers have enough OF prospects to go 3 deep at each position. The club is expected to lure Jose Cruz Jr or Ben Grieve to the area. Grieve is from Arlington and his father was the GM till about 1994. Cruz grew up in the Houston area and I think his father is a hitting coach for the Stros. Right now, here is the team I could see in April. The pitching needs to be improved greatly. The Rangers may pull out of the Pettitte/Colon/Millwood sweepstakes and focus on middle line pitchers like Brian Anderson and Kelvin Escobar.
C-Diaz
1B-Tieixera/Lee/Gonzalez
2B-Young
3B-Blalock
SS-Rodriguez/Garciapparra
LF-Mench/Cruz Jr
CF-Nix
RF-Tieixera/Cruz Jr/Grieve
DH-Palmerio/Grieve
SP- Park, Thompson, Anderson, Benoit, Lewis
RP- Zimmerman, Cordero, Mahay, Shouse, Powell, Garcia
C-Diaz
1B-Tieixera/Lee/Gonzalez
2B-Young
3B-Blalock
SS-Rodriguez/Garciapparra
LF-Mench/Cruz Jr
CF-Nix
RF-Tieixera/Cruz Jr/Grieve
DH-Palmerio/Grieve
SP- Park, Thompson, Anderson, Benoit, Lewis
RP- Zimmerman, Cordero, Mahay, Shouse, Powell, Garcia
MrMarcello said:
Yeah, your Rangers shouldn't be bad, I bet they'll get at least second place next season. You have some great youngsters, such as Teixeira and Blalock, who work their asses off. I think your main concern should be pitching more than anything. Your SPs and relievers don't impress me although I've seen a few of them jerk the White Sox around.
from my last post: I meant bad defensive outfielders
I heard thnat Giambi's leg is bad and that it's the same thing that ended Mark McGwire's career. I f that's the case, no NL tam will touch him and no AL team will take on Giambi's contract for strictly a DH.
Yanks will re-sign Pettitte, unless some other club totaly overwhelms him with money. The Yankees will have Jon Lieber in the rotation next year - he sat out this year after arm surgery, but oince won 20 games with the Cubs. I think that they will add a pitcher though because they will probably start the season with Weaver or Contreras as a long man in the bullpen. Yanks always like having the insurance because pitchers go down so often.
I don't like Millwood at all and wouldn't sign Maddox to more than one year, which he won't accept. Yanks really need to get younger - Milton from the Twins may be an option. There's talk that they are also interested in the setup relief pitcher from the Twins who throws 100mph (forget his name).
Yanks will re-sign Pettitte, unless some other club totaly overwhelms him with money. The Yankees will have Jon Lieber in the rotation next year - he sat out this year after arm surgery, but oince won 20 games with the Cubs. I think that they will add a pitcher though because they will probably start the season with Weaver or Contreras as a long man in the bullpen. Yanks always like having the insurance because pitchers go down so often.
I don't like Millwood at all and wouldn't sign Maddox to more than one year, which he won't accept. Yanks really need to get younger - Milton from the Twins may be an option. There's talk that they are also interested in the setup relief pitcher from the Twins who throws 100mph (forget his name).
Fresh off the newswire...not that anyone cares but I'm excited...Ozzie Guillen to be the next White Sox manager!!!! This will hopefully be like Tony Pena coming to the Royals...a shot in the arm! Next summer it will be good to bleed black and white...
kennyj said:
Latroy Hawkins is the guy from the twins. The yankees better not rely on leiber as a starter. The guy hasnt pitched in such a long time and you have no idea what to expect. They should still go after colon. What a shock giambi has the same injury as Mcquire. I wonder if its because they are both JUICED. Where has Tino martinez gone??? What a big mistake signing this mess. I knew it.
Billy Wagner traded to the Phillies.
my Baseball 2 cents: Josh Beckett is hot...
ok...carry on.
ok...carry on.
GiggsysGirl said:my Baseball 2 cents: Josh Beckett is hot...
ok...carry on.
Don't say that around Cubs fans...
GiggsysGirl said:my Baseball 2 cents: Josh Beckett is hot...
ok...carry on.
My cousin met him at the airport when they came back from ny and said he is an A$$hole.
In other news Don mattingly will be named Yankees hitting coach now he can get his ring.
Steriods tests results came in and between 5 and 7% of the tests were postive. THis means there will be testing regularly. I'm somewhat happy about this but I think it will all be window dressing because none of the major stars will be outed if they tested postive. Cough Cough barry bonds.
Also by the end of Jan. there could be an approvel of a World Cup of Baseball.
Also by the end of Jan. there could be an approvel of a World Cup of Baseball.
WCB would be for Feb or Mar of 2005 which would be a great thing for international baseball and promotion of the game world wide.
As for the steriod testing, it's a complete joke.
As for the steriod testing, it's a complete joke.
I am appalled at the pathetic amount of Yankees fans here. What a bunch of morons.
This "you top me, I'll better you" saga of Boston and NY Yankees is making my off-season interest in baseball swell. Which, I lose interest by March only to regain my interest in September.
BoSox get Schilling.
Yanks get Vazquez (also add Gordon and Quantrill to strengthen the bullpen).
Yanks are near a deal with Sheffield (Guerrero is a better choice).
BoSox are pursuing a deal for ARod (with Ramirez going to Texas).
Yanks are inquiring about a deal for Kevin Brown (Weaver and possibly Giambi might be involved).
If the BoSox acquire ARod, I expect them to send Nomar to Anaheim or another California team.
BoSox get Schilling.
Yanks get Vazquez (also add Gordon and Quantrill to strengthen the bullpen).
Yanks are near a deal with Sheffield (Guerrero is a better choice).
BoSox are pursuing a deal for ARod (with Ramirez going to Texas).
Yanks are inquiring about a deal for Kevin Brown (Weaver and possibly Giambi might be involved).
If the BoSox acquire ARod, I expect them to send Nomar to Anaheim or another California team.
MrMarcello said:
Now that Johnson has been traded, the Yanks won't get rid of Giambi. Nomar is a free agent after next year. They might not trade him thios year, but just won't re-sign him next year.
I think the Yanks may pick up Lofton for CF and DH Bernie Williams. I hear Palmeiro is also a possibility.
I could see NYY willing to trade Giambi and sign Travis Lee. That's if the Dodgers would be willing to take Giambi's contract and knee concerns. Doubtful, but they might...especially to add Weaver and get out from under Brown's deal (although Giambi's deal is higher and longer).
Palmerio would hit 50 HRs with the Yanks. Still, I think Bernie needs to be moved for OF to DH (unless he can learn 1B). Signing Lofton would give the team a true leadoff hitter, but Shannon Stewart would be a better signing. But Stewart is a LF, not sure if he would work out in CF. Matsui has good range, but lacks adequate speed to play CF. However, I did hear a couple of tv analysts say Matsui would be a solid defensive CF and more suited at Yankee Stadium in this position.
Palmerio would hit 50 HRs with the Yanks. Still, I think Bernie needs to be moved for OF to DH (unless he can learn 1B). Signing Lofton would give the team a true leadoff hitter, but Shannon Stewart would be a better signing. But Stewart is a LF, not sure if he would work out in CF. Matsui has good range, but lacks adequate speed to play CF. However, I did hear a couple of tv analysts say Matsui would be a solid defensive CF and more suited at Yankee Stadium in this position.
Matsui played a few games in CF last season and was OK. I think that he could play there on a fill-in basis. But he's probably a better CF than Bernie is right now and there has been a little talk of them switching. Johnson's trade opens things up for Bernie to DH, but if they get Palmeiro and Lofton, I don't think that would work. So I think that it's either Lofton or Palmeiro.
One way or another, they will still need a backup at 1B, unless somebody like Sierra (or Bernie) can play there.
One way or another, they will still need a backup at 1B, unless somebody like Sierra (or Bernie) can play there.
MrMarcello said:
I pray the yankees dont get lofton. the guy is a stuck up a$$hole. I would love for them to get a CF who can throw the ball to homeplate from the outfield.. ahemm Mike Cameron. Gary Shef good sign need hitting after that World Series; Bad Clubhouse guy though. Vazquez nice arm lots of K's; Some bad games in him though. And ill end by my nice little credit card commerical
Gary sheffield>> 4 year deal @ $12 mill a year? ( not done yet)
Javier vazquez>> nick johnson and juan riveria
Trading jason giambi( the injury prone firstbaseman who has never done anything clutch in his career)>>> priceless
Pettitte gone. He'll be missed.
http://espn.go.com/
This hurts my eyes and pisses me off. Steinbrenner is going NUts. He needs to have his head examined.
Yanks Staff: Mussina Vazquez and Contreras
Red Sox Staff: Pedro, schilling, lowe.
ANd now we trade for Kevin brown. Are u kidding? Your going to pay him $15 mill a year for a broken down arm? Steinbrenner has ruined this team with the start of getting giambi and not resigning tino. I hate him IM SOOOO MAD
This hurts my eyes and pisses me off. Steinbrenner is going NUts. He needs to have his head examined.
Yanks Staff: Mussina Vazquez and Contreras
Red Sox Staff: Pedro, schilling, lowe.
ANd now we trade for Kevin brown. Are u kidding? Your going to pay him $15 mill a year for a broken down arm? Steinbrenner has ruined this team with the start of getting giambi and not resigning tino. I hate him IM SOOOO MAD
I understand Pettitte's desire to return home, but that park will eat him alive.
As for Brown, he's still a very good pitcher and has the second lowest ERA for a starting pitcher over the last 7 years (behind Pedro). Brown has pitched well in both the AL and NL. I think he can be called upon to give 6-7 quality innings. He'll be a #2 or #3 in NYY. Still, I thought NYY should have gone all our for Colon.
Also, the Yanks would be much smarter to tell Sheffield to feck off and go all out for Guerrero.
As for Brown, he's still a very good pitcher and has the second lowest ERA for a starting pitcher over the last 7 years (behind Pedro). Brown has pitched well in both the AL and NL. I think he can be called upon to give 6-7 quality innings. He'll be a #2 or #3 in NYY. Still, I thought NYY should have gone all our for Colon.
Also, the Yanks would be much smarter to tell Sheffield to feck off and go all out for Guerrero.
MrMarcello said:
The park will hurt a bit, but he's primarily a groundball pitcher and not facing a DH will help. Then again, he'll be playing for a weaker club. In the future, maybe the Yanks should steer clear of these family-oriented players and go for the guys that are only interested in money.
Brown is good, but he's been hurt too often in the last few years. The Yanks were worried about Colon's conditioning (or lack thereof) and some fely that once he signed a long-term deal he would let himself go.
I've heard that the Yanks no longer return Sheffield's calls and are going all out for Guerrero.
George is getting blasted in the NY press. I still think that he's the best owner in baseball.