Find me a Pitcher

[Guest Kid Carsey]

If there's one downfall of being one of the teams with a boat load of cash, it's
that the press will report (or an insufferable blogger will report on his own) that
he's willing to take our money and "join" our team.

Probably a better place to add this part -- but I'm very cranky over the fact
that the Red Sox swept and won the series and we've heard nothing about it.

[nymr83]

ODALIS PEREZ (LHP)
6'0, 150 lb, has played 9 seasons in ATL, LA, and KC, will be 30 years old on opening day 2008.

-a career 4.47 ERA (94 ERA+) and a 1.327 WHIP, he's really been terrible recently with ERA+ scores of 90, 74, and 84 the past 3 seasons.
-He can't stay healthy and he doesnt go deep into games (5.26 innings per start this year)
-he didn't have much trouble with homeruns this year (as he has in the past) but forgot how to strike guys out (64 in 137 innings)
-his control is actually pretty good for his career, but he gets smacked around in the strike zone.

the Mets should probably stay away from this guy, though if nobody else is interested he'd be worth one of those 1-year deals that doesnt gaurantee him a roster spot and pays him more if he makes the majors because its always possible that a return to the NL could get him somewhere near his old Dodger form

[metirish]

Gwreck wrote: Schilling might be an insufferable blowhard but if he truly only wants a 1 year deal I'm intrigued.

He's that and more.

] Schilling says Red Sox favored, but dozen others possible ESPN.com news services A day after saying he'd written goodbye letters to some of his Boston Red Sox teammates, Curt Schilling has posted a list of 13 teams he'd be willing to play for next season as he enters free agency for the first time. The right-hander, who turns 41 on Nov. 16, made a list that includes the Red Sox but not the New York Yankees. Schilling filed for free agency Tuesday. Schilling wrote on his Web site that his first choice remains re-signing with Boston. "There are a million little things that go into this from stadiums to school districts to travel to spring training to etc. etc. etc.," Schilling wrote, "but the list represents the teams after Boston that have some of the off the field things that are big to us, plus the potential to go into October next year." He listed 2007 playoff teams Cleveland, the Los Angeles Angels, Philadelphia, Arizona and the Chicago Cubs, plus 2006 World Series teams Detroit and St. Louis, the New York Mets, Atlanta, the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego and Milwaukee. On Tuesday, Schilling said he was looking for a one-year deal. "If truly, physically, I was at the end of my rope, this would be the ultimate way to walk away," Schilling said in his weekly radio appearance in Boston. "I don't think I'm there." Catchers Jason Varitek and Doug Mirabelli stopped by the Red Sox clubhouse to box up their belongings on Wednesday morning after being honored at the Massachusetts Statehouse. Varitek took care to label and preserve the bats he used during the World Series. The two lockers next to the catcher, which had been used by Schilling, were cleared of any personal items and name tags. Varitek repeated his hope that Schilling is able to finish up his career in Boston, but said he wouldn't be running to his teammate's blog to keep up on his status. "I haven't checked a blog, so I'm probably not going to start now," he said. "I may call him now and then to see what's going on." Schilling said he wrote goodbye letters to selected teammates and Red Sox officials. "I actually broke out a pen and paper the last couple days and wrote letters to some people here, just to say goodbye," Schilling said on the radio, apparently before he filed for free agency. "There's a very realistic chance I won't ever play with them again." Varitek said he was one of the players who received a note from Schilling. "It's something I'll keep," the catcher said. Schilling promised fans that he'd keep them updated on his free agency journey through his blog. "If October 28, 2007, was the last time I ever wear this uniform, thank you," Schilling wrote on Monday. "It was an honor and a privelage [sic] to be allowed to play here."

[Guest Edgy DC]

Like 26 of these guys are still on the board!

Tony Armas, Jr. PIT	A Boy Named Seo
Kris Benson BAL	bmfc1
Paul Byrd CLE	Centerfield
Shawn Chacon PIT	cooby
Roger Clemens NYY	DocTee
Matt Clement BOS	Edgy DC
Bartolo Colon LAA	Elster88
Scott Elarton CLE	G-FAFIF
Josh Fogg COL	Fman99
Casey Fossum TB	Frayed Knot
Freddy Garcia PHI	Gwreck (where the deuce is Gwreck?)
Tom Glavine NYM	holychicken
Livan Hernandez ARZ	Iubitul
Jason Jennings HOU	jerseyshore
Brian Lawrence NYM	John Cougar Lunchbucket
Jon Lieber PHI	Kid Carson
Kyle Lohse PHI	martin
Rodrigo Lopez COL	Mendoza Line
Greg Maddux SD	Methead
Wade Miller CHC	metirish
Eric Milton CIN	metsguyinmichigan
Russ Ortiz SF	metsmarathon
Odalis Perez KC	Nymr83
Andy Pettitte NYY	MFS62
Mark Redman COL	OlerudOwned
Kenny Rogers DET	RealityChuck
Curt Schilling BOS	Rockin' Doc
Carlos Silva MIN	Rotblatt
Julian Tavarez BOS	seawolf17
John Thomson KC	sharpie
Brett Tomko SD	SI Metman
Steve Trachsel CHC	smg58
Tim Wakefield BOS	soupcan
Jeff Weaver SEA	SteveJRogers
David Wells LAD	TheOldMole
Kip Wells STL	TransMonk
Randy Wolf LAD	Vic Sage
Jamey Wright TEX	vtmet
Jaret Wright BAL	Willets (baby?)
Victor Zambrano BAL	Yancy Street Game

[DocTee]

Roger Clemens...

Age: 45
Throws: Broken Bats
Bats: RH

Record; (Career/ 2007): 354-184/6-6
ERA: (Career/2007): 3.12/4.34

Salary, 2007: $28M for 14 starts and one relief appearance

Why we want him: A veteran of 23 seasons who is a sure-fire HOF. Six-time WS participant...7 Cy Youngs, one MVP (only pitcher in 40 + years to win that award)...11 time All-Star, member MLB All-Century Team. 4664 career K's.

Why we don't: Supposed 'roid-abuser...coming off highest WHIP since 1999...names all his kids with "K" names...arrogant bastard who has but four complete games and two shutouts since leaving Toronto ten seasons ago. 4900 career IP.

Married to Debra for 23 years...four kids (Koby, Kory, Kacy and Kody)-- all of who have middle names beginning with "A" (Aaron, Allen, Austin, and Alec, respectively) in honor of their father, who is an Asshole.

Klemens Kwotes (courtesy of wikipedia):

Clemens has also attracted controversy over the years for his outspoken comments, such as his complaints about having to carry his own luggage through an airport and his criticism of Fenway Park for being a subpar facility.

On April 4, 2006, Clemens made a "racially insensitive" remark when asked about the devotion of Japanese and South Korean fans during the World Baseball Classic: "None of the dry cleaners were open, they were all at the game."

Hall of Fame slugger Hank Aaron angered the pitcher by saying that pitchers should not be eligible for the MVP. "I wish he were still playing," Clemens responded. "I'd probably crack his head open to show him how valuable I was."

PASS

[nymr83]

]Hall of Fame slugger Hank Aaron angered the pitcher by saying that pitchers should not be eligible for the MVP. "I wish he were still playing," Clemens responded. "I'd probably crack his head open to show him how valuable I was."

so Clemens is saying that retired players can run their mouths without consequence? kinda like...umm... AL pitchers?

[DocTee]

Yes, the number of batters he plunked went down considerably after his move to the NL.

[nymr83]

DocTee wrote: Yes, the number of batters he plunked went down considerably after his move to the NL.

3 years in houston 13 HBP in 539 innings (one every 41.46 innings), career 159 in 4916 innings (one every 30.9 innings) confirming that he is, in fact, a pussy.

[Benjamin Grimm]

I offered Victor Zambrano to Valadius when he griped that he didn't get an assignment.

[Guest sharpie]

I think Valadius is holding out for someone better.

[Benjamin Grimm]

Well, he (or anyone else) can still take Zambrano any time they please.

If we get to a certain point, we can let Steve Rogers finish everyone off.

[Methead]

Greg Maddux, RHP, 42 years old, 6'0", 170 lb, future HOF, genius

Positives : 347 wins, career ERA of 3.11, ERA+ of 134, 3273 strikeouts, career BB/K ratio of 3.37 etcetera etcetera yada yada. He's posted ERA's over 4 the past few seasons, but he's still at or below the league average anyway. You can't argue with his legacy, his ability, or his competitiveness. Little injury history to speak of. His knowledge would benefit the young pitchers on the staff. My first instinct when considering this guy is "Screw Maddux", but the fact is, he turned in a better season than Glavine did, at the same age, for less money. He's tossed close to 200 playoff innings as well.

Negatives : For what it's worth, he's got the former Brave tag, but that was a few years ago. He doesn't throw as many innings as he used to. Wears glasses. I dunno. The more I think about it, the fewer negatives I find.

Upside : I don't know about a HUGE upside, but it would be reasonable to expect 190-200 IP with an ERA around 4.00 given what he's been doing the past few years.

Downside : With geezers like Maddux, there's always the possibility of a precipitous decline in ability, or an increased risk of injury.

Health Status : Suffered from a strained back last September which limited his innings down the stretch. Tweaked a hamstring back in July or something, didn't miss a start.

what it would cost the Mets : He's got an $8.75 million player option (he'll probably decline). The team holds an $11 million option. Padres GM Kevin Towers is confident the Padres can bring him back at approximately the same price as last season ($10 million). It would likely take a significantly higher offer (or at least a guaranteed second year) to pry him out of sunny San Diego. Would you go 2 years/18-20 million for Maddux?

Would it be worth it : Sure, why not? I think the Mets would have to take a serious look at the guy, and at least find out what it would take to bring him in. 10-12 million should buy you league-average performance, superior knowledge, and playoff experience, right?

[Frayed Knot]

[overused]Eh, anyone could finish off a profile of Victor Zambrano in ten minutes[/joke]

[metirish]

Some of this is unbelievable .

Mets signing Schilling is a no-brainer



Sticking it to the yankees is not a reason to sign Schilling or anyone for that matter.

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

Shilling looks like he's pregnant recently.

[Benjamin Grimm]

metirish wrote: Sticking it to the yankees is not a reason to sign Schilling or anyone for that matter.

No, it really isn't. But it could be a reason for some fans to be excited about a move. And these columnists are playing to the fans, not mapping team strategy.

What they're saying is, "The Mets should do this because the Yankees would hate it" but what they really mean, I think, is "Mets fans should love this because Yankees fans would hate it."

[smg58]

Please refer to my comments in the A-Rod thread regarding sticking it to the Yankees. I'm inclined to give more concern to whether a move would put us back on top in the division and advance us in the playoffs than how the Yankees or their fans would feel about it. Perhaps my priorities are misplaced.

That being said, I'm not against taking a look at Schilling. My concern is certainly not with his ability, but with whether the Mets can afford a third aging injury risk in their rotation.

[metirish]

Why would Kris Benson be the most looked up yesterday on UMDB?

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

Option not picked up by Baltimore. That sets the entire Benson Bunch free except Derek Lowe, I believe

[metirish]

Thanks bucket, your coming through big time tonight.

[Benjamin Grimm]

Usually when Benson wins the day it's because of something his wife said or did.

http://leaptoad.com/mets/jpeg/AnnaBenson1973.jpg

[Guest Edgy DC]

That's a slow news day that drives Benson to a hit win on a Mets site becausethe Oriles didn't pick up his option.

[Guest OlerudOwned]

Mark Redman



Age: 34 this January
Throws: Left
Bats: Left
Height: 6'5''
Weight: 220
Baseball-Reference URL/Webcam Porn Handle: redmama01

Stuff: Pure nibbling. Has a softie of a fastball that he spells with a change. When the change is on, the speed difference is enough to make him successful. When it's not, he's basically throwing BP. Scouts Inc. sez he also mixes in a mediocre curve and splitter.

Career: Has never stayed with a team for consecutive seasons aside from a few season at the start of his career in Minnesota, who drafted him 13th overall in 1995. That right there should tell you something. Career seems to have peaked in 2003, where he was very solid in the middle of the World Champion Florida Marlins' rotation. He did, however, get roughed up for 11 runs in 12 innings over 3 starts in the NLCS and World Series. He won two of those games. Go fig'gre. Since then, he's made stops in Oakland (2004), Pittsburgh (2005), and Kansas City (2006). Each was lousy without being spectacularly bad, and they'd be entirely unmemorable if not for his 2006 All-Star selection as the Royals representative (despite having a 5.40 ERA through July) because of that stupid rule about every team getting an All-Star. I don't think any Royals fans were inspired to watch because Redman was chilling in the bullpen for 9 innings, but I digress.
Despite being a certified All-Star, he didn't get a contract until March 9th of '07 when the Braves signed him to a minor league deal. He got his first start on April 6th against the Mets, and it was the start of a month and a half of pure rumphing that ended when Atlanta cut his ass on May 22. The carnage included 28 earned runs over 21.2 innings for an 11.63 ERA, and 2.26 WHIP, and 13K/11BB. Texas picked him up a week later, but he requested release. The nerve. Then it was a minor league deal with Toronto, but he sucked in AAA and got released. Finally, it was a deal to pitch with Colorado's AA squad. Like everything Colorado did in September, the move turned to gold as he moved though AAA and eventually make a few spot stats and relief appearences for the Rox. Not wanting to push their luck, they didn't let him touch the ball in the playoffs, keeping him as an emergency man in the NLDS and leaving him off the Championship and World Series rosters.

The Scenario: I wouldn't go near him. What I look for in my emergency starter bums is either some sort of live stuff, or prior success. That's why I liked the Sosa, Lawrence, and Park signings, but Redman doesn't have it.

[Guest Edgy DC]

"Wow, that's harsh," I thought, "glad we don't have him."

"Let's see. I'm going to entertain myself with some Diamond Mind tonight. Who is next up for me in my rotation?"

"Redman? Shit!"

[smg58]

http://www.nypost.com/seven/11052007/sports/scott_stove_league_846843.htm

Somebody from the Post is suggesting that Scott Kazmir might be on the block. I don't see the logic to that at all, but the same article is now the second to mention Tim Lincecum. I suppose we have to ask about them, but I'll be completely dumbfounded if either of them gets moved.

[nymr83]

baseball writers need something to write about, even if they have to make it up

[Vic Sage]

metirish wrote: Some of this is unbelievable . Mets signing Schilling is a no-brainer Sticking it to the yankees is not a reason to sign Schilling or anyone for that matter.

He was saying it was one of the reasons why SCHILLING might want to sign with the Mets, not that it was one of the reasons why the Mets would want to sign him.

And i'd be happy to have him.

[Guest Iubitul]

Nymr83 wrote: baseball writers need something to write about, even if they have to make it up

ugh. This off season has already been too long...

[smg58]

Get ready to cross Maddux off the list; he and the Padres have apparently agreed on one year and $10M.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3096282

[Benjamin Grimm]

="Associated Press"]Curt Schilling, Red Sox making progress toward a new contract By RONALD BLUM, AP Baseball Writer November 5, 2007 ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Curt Schilling and the Boston Red Sox are making progress toward a contract that would allow him to remain with the World Series champions. While the sides have not yet reached an agreement, talks have gained momentum and it is possible an agreement could be reached within a few days, a person familiar with the talks said Monday night, speaking on condition of anonymity because a deal had not yet been struck. The progress in the negotiations was first reported by the Boston Herald on its Web site. Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein declined comment.