MFS62

Blaine Beatty was a soft tossing lefty pitcher who had some success in the minors. The success never followed him up to higher levels. He became a pitching coach, but could not gain respect when the other pitchers saw how weak his arm was. He decided to strengthen his arm and enrolled in a series of body building programs to build up his arm strength. But he became so muscle bound that he could no longer throw a baseball. But Blaine is still pitching. For the last five years he has worked as a bouncer, throwing drunks out of a dockside strip club in Bayonne New Jersey. Tell us about Sherman "Roadblock" Jones. Later

I'm adopting Juan Centeno. The 23 year old catcher is built like a fireplug, throws out almost 40% of would-be base stealers and has hit for high averages with little power (including AA last year). I'm not saying he will replace Travis, but I think he will find some power at Las Vegas this year and move up to be a very good major league backup catcher at some point. http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=centen002jua Welcome to the family, kid. Later

If the "righty with power" can't be found for right, then I'd prefer they try to make a deal for someone like a Carlos Gomez, who has centerfield defense comparable to a Bourne, hits righty, and has more power, rather than losing a first round pick for MB. Then, the need for a hitter for right wouldn't be as critical - they could move Kirk to right. Later

bmfc1 wrote: why should that pick be suddenly exposed (say the Mets) because the Pirates through no fault (or grace) of the Mets, got to jump in line?The rule is intended to protect the ten worst teams, so yes the Mets pick should remain protected. The Mets didn't improve because the Pirates couldn't sign their #1 pick and shouldn't be penalized. This is the perfect opportunity for Fred's BFF Bud to interpret the rule "in the best interests of baseball" and keep the pick protected. Also, where's the harm? The Union won't object because it increases competition for a FA? Boras won't object. The only parties that will object are those hoping to get Bourn for even less than the Mets might pay. a Club shall not be required to forfeit a selection in the top ten of the first round of the Rule 4 Draft, and its highest available selection shall be deemed its first selection following the tenth selection of the first round.� MLB Basic Agreement, Article XX, B. (4)(c)i., p. 89http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/pdf/cba_english.pdf I think that the in the intent of the rule would be served by adding "as determined by the ten lowest win totals in the preceding season" to the end of this clause. Don't get hung up by thinking logically. Somehow, the Mets will get screwed. And that's why I'd rather get a power hitter for right, keep Duda in left, and get a freakin' motorcycle for whomever plays center between, them rather than overpay for Bourne and lose a draft pick. Later

bmfc1 wrote: Scott Hairston to the Cubs. 2 year deal. This was a switch. They beamed Scotty up. Later

Edgy MD wrote: "Happy birthday, Cooby-Coo!" Its Cooby's Birthday? For real? Nobody started a thread? Happy Birthday, Cooby. You're on a roll in this thread. Later

Pedro's two year contract with the MFYs: $8 million. The fact that he never pitched a single inning for the MFY's money: Priceless. Later

I had sensed a disturbance in The Force the past two years. The feeling is now gone. Things have returned to as they should be. Later

Every kid who saw him wanted to try Stan's batting stance at least once (I did). Every manager who saw him wanted to kick dirt on an umpire like Earl Weaver. He raised "Pissing off an Umpire" to an art form. They will both be missed. Later

RIP, Stan We'll remember that stance that we tried to copy as kids. Later

RIP, Earl. Umpires and fans everywhere will remember you. Later

Benjamin Grimm wrote: No. When the poll choices get changed, the polling restarts. Thanks, Later

I voted earlier today, then turned off my PC and left the house. When I just got back, the system would have allowed me to vote again. Software problem? Later

Sounds like Dave Schneck to me. Later

Desi was named after tv singer, actor and producer Desi Arnaz. Apparently, show biz was in his blood. After he retired from baseball, he founded 6 Hole Records, a hip-hop record label based in Jacksonville. But he also has Country and Western artists on his label. The most famous is a band called Sludge. Their most popular hits were: She Broke My Heart, So I Broke Her Nose, She Stole My Heart and Stomped That Sucker Flat, My Truck Is Bigger than Your'n Tell us about Frank Lary. Later

Well, if it isn't Octavio Dotel, its got to be his (evil ?) twin, Alejandro Pena. Later

The Candy Man could - John Candelaria Batters had to dread Scott, as in Mike. Later

He and Dillon Gee would give the Mets the most interesting collection of beards since ZZ Top. Later

Scott Kasmir signed a minor league deal with Cleveland. http://sports.yahoo.com/news/indians-sign-lhp-scott-kazmir-184243950--mlb.html Later

Maybe Denver will want Tebow back. Later

Is it the time for someone* to start a countdown thread? Later * = someone who can insert pictures. I still can't.

I like the idea of the PC being able to check out the pitcher warming up, ask some questions and talk to the dugout in real time, rather than have to leave the phone and get back to it. Later

bmfc1 wrote: F anyone that votes for Mattingly but didn't vote for Keith. Apparently its because Mattingly was good for "a short period of time". Later

Mets � Willets Point wrote: Butch Huskey. At age 26, his baseball-reference similarity score was George Foster. At age 28, it was Paul O'Neill. Gimmie something about Larry Bearnarth. Later

Bobby V gets a new gig: http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/former-boston-red-sox-manager-bobby-valentine-to-work-as-commentator-for-nbc-sports-radio/2013/01/07/dac23d28-58de-11e2-b8b2-0d18a64c8dfa_story.html Later