MFS62

The Mea Culpa from on guy who didn't vote from Rickey (as seen on Yahoo): ]From the Oakland Tribune: "If I had properly researched the situation, I would have voted for Rickey Henderson if for no other reason than he played for nine ball teams," he said. "Imagine that. He'll be the first Hall of Famer to have a bronze bust with nine caps stacked on his head. "He was a wonderful player and I simply goofed. I voted for eight deserving men. I could have picked two more � and I wish to heck I had." Later

It wasn't intended to make sense. (And obviously it succeeded. ) It was meant as a rant. I really don't want to see this guy again, sorta' like the way Sonny Corleone thought about "that strutz". Or the way one of the other CPF-ers feels about Marlon Anderson. Purely visceral. Later

Adam Bostick is a festering sore on the face of the organization. Omar kept this easily replaceable journeyman on the roster, protected from the Rule V Draft. As a result, there was no room to protect catching prospect J. Flores and he was lost in the draft. Why is Bostick still here? On the chance that one day Omar MIGHT be able to say he made the right move? Bull feathers. Ain't gonna' happen. Get him outta' here already. Later

Look at the bright side. At least he didn't nominate Eagles' coach Andy Reid. (Mr. anti-fitness) Later

="attgig":3dmd4mof] what kind of money/years is he looking for?[/quote:3dmd4mof] (cough) Odalis Perez (cough) And he'd still have some money left over to make a decent offer to Orlando Hudson. Later attgig Jan 09 2009 09:46 AM man, forget both wolf and redding. bring pedro back. duan Jan 09 2009 10:22 AM i'd totally take Pedro back - base salary of 2-3 million rising to 9? i just think he's cool. metirish Jan 09 2009 12:32 PM Newsday The Mets and right-handed starter Tim Redding are on the verge of completing a one-year agreement for about 2.5 million dollars that would bring Redding aboard for the 2009 season, Newsday has learned. One person familiar with the negotiations described the process as "in the home stretch." Redding must pass a physical examination before the deal becomes official. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 09 2009 12:45 PM Tim Redding, possibly a douchebag: Farmer Ted Jan 09 2009 12:48 PM Reddings's aunt is Joyce Randolph, aka Trixie Norton from the Honeymooners. Edgy DC Jan 09 2009 12:58 PM That's got to be worth a few hundred grand. Joyce was the Mets special guest at a Honeymooners' Night a few years back. And by years, I mean decades. metsguyinmichigan Jan 09 2009 01:04 PM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket"]Tim Redding, possibly a douchebag: Looks like a guy who would build a hockey rink in his backyard? Benjamin Grimm Jan 09 2009 01:08 PM The Honeymooners connection is, so far, the best Mets news of the month. soupcan Jan 09 2009 01:12 PM ="metsguyinmichigan"]="John Cougar Lunchbucket"]Tim Redding, possibly a douchebag: Looks like a guy who would build a hockey rink in his backyard? Yup. Douchebag if I ever saw one. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 09 2009 01:20 PM For some reason, he looks even douchier in this shot: Edgy DC Jan 09 2009 01:23 PM He pitches one inning for the Yankees... on the road... gives up six runs... and uses that auspicious moment as his autograph photo? Rockin' Doc Jan 09 2009 01:27 PM I didn't know Jay Buhner could pitch. Sign him, he could hit seventh ahead of Castillo and Schneider. Benjamin Grimm Jan 09 2009 01:33 PM Maybe his wife wants him to be a Yankee. metsguyinmichigan Jan 09 2009 02:05 PM ="Edgy DC"]He pitches one inning for the Yankees... on the road... gives up six runs... and uses that auspicious moment as his autograph photo? Well, he IS a douche bag! metsguyinmichigan Jan 09 2009 02:24 PM ="Edgy DC"]He pitches one inning for the Yankees... on the road... gives up six runs... and uses that auspicious moment as his autograph photo? Wait, I take it back. On further thought, this guy is our hero. He's a Yankee saboteur. Forced into pinstripes against his will, and no doubt forced to endure some kind of hazing that involved kissing the Phil Rizzutto plaque in Memorial Park and branding 26 on his butt, our soon-to-be Mets hero lashed out, and said "I'm taking you Yankee bastards down!!!" That's my new story. I'm sticking to it. Ashie62 Jan 09 2009 05:07 PM Rochester Redding at 2.25..I like it...One way to break up Boras...While were at it anyone for taking a flier on Pedro? Then Omar can spend some money on the ever elusive utility man and outfielder..Garrett Anderson? seawolf17 Jan 09 2009 05:25 PM The Pride of Rochester. I'm excited; it was a big deal up there when he signed. A Boy Named Seo Jan 09 2009 08:47 PM ="Ashie62":1h7ewb77]Rochester Redding at 2.25..I like it...One way to break up Boras...While were at it anyone for taking a flier on Pedro? Then Omar can spend some money on the ever elusive utility man and outfielder..Garrett Anderson?[/quote:1h7ewb77] Redding means nothing to Boras or Lowe/Ollie. As for Pedro, the slim chances he'd be back would get way slimmer. Tim Redding, huh. Nymr83 Jan 09 2009 11:43 PM Redding is a nice guy to have on your AAA club for when you need an injury replacement or in case your #5 starter rookie flames out (Niese) but i wouldn't count on him to pitch the way he did the 2nd half of this past year. Fman99 Jan 10 2009 06:47 AM ="soupcan"]="metsguyinmichigan"]="John Cougar Lunchbucket"]Tim Redding, possibly a douchebag: Looks like a guy who would build a hockey rink in his backyard? Yup. Douchebag if I ever saw one. That's a great "Write your own caption" picture right there. Let me try... Fman99 Jan 10 2009 06:47 AM "Hey kid, get your frisbee off my lawn, or I'll go fuck your housepets." soupcan Jan 10 2009 08:10 AM Redding was 10-11 for the Nats and according to an article I read this morning, his bullpen blew 7 leads for him last year. Why wouldn't the Nats offer him a contract? Article (NYTimes) also said that his signing will not effect the teams pursuit of Lowe and/or Perez. -He and Santana were teammates in the Astros minor league system. -He and Beltran were on the 'Stros together. -He and Church and Schneider were teammates on the Nats. That's all I got. Rockin' Doc Jan 10 2009 08:37 AM He should be okay as a fifth starter, but his signing almost assures that Niese will head up the staff in Buffalo. Now get a solid starter to slip into the rotation. Lowe, Perez, or Sheets would do nicely. I no longer see Wolf as an option, since Redding just took his possible spot in the rotation. Frayed Knot Jan 10 2009 09:06 AM Mets takin' a ride: smg58 Jan 10 2009 12:07 PM ="Nymr83":3ebubl5n]Redding is a nice guy to have on your AAA club for when you need an injury replacement or in case your #5 starter rookie flames out (Niese) but i wouldn't count on him to pitch the way he did the 2nd half of this past year.[/quote:3ebubl5n] His April and May were good... Maybe he can repeat that, and by then Niese will be ready. Or maybe some better pitchers will get signed for less money by other teams. The best thing I can say for Redding is that he should give the Mets more out of the fifth starter spot than Pedro did last year (or would this year). But that's really saying little. Zvon Jan 10 2009 03:23 PM *****INNINGS Benjamin Grimm Jan 13 2009 09:10 AM Edgy DC Jan 13 2009 09:19 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jan 13 2009 09:38 AM Tim Redding. Wifey: Jamie Kiddies: Shea and Brennan (who knows what genders) Dog: Fascha Hopefully, he'll wear a shirt that says "Fantastic Fascha." seawolf17 Jan 13 2009 09:25 AM I can't wait for Tim Redding Bobblehead Day! It'll look just like me. attgig Jan 13 2009 09:53 AM ="seawolf17":2nxfsu59]I can't wait for Tim Redding Bobblehead Day! It'll look just like me.[/quote:2nxfsu59] don't read the rest of this thread.... Edgy DC Jan 13 2009 09:55 AM ="Marty Noble"]He chose to wear Mets uniform No. 44 because David Cone wore it. He knew that. Yay! Go, Tim Redding! ="Marty Noble"]He would have opted for No. 23, if Brian Schneider didn't have dibs on it, because "Don Mattingly is my favorite player of all time," he said. Boo! Eat shit, Tim Redding! As a a matter of fact, eat Doug Flynn's shit. You're not a Yankee and you're not a hitter. Now shut up and take it like a Met, you cupcake. metirish Jan 13 2009 10:00 AM I predict Redding will do something really fucking dumb while a Met , like beat the crap out of some dick in a bar while boozing downtown. Benjamin Grimm Jan 13 2009 10:01 AM For some reason, I read "cupcake" as "cubcake." Edgy DC Jan 13 2009 10:03 AM Lest a day go by without a Mort Walker reference, we have a Boner's Ark invocation.

Lots of folks here trying to fill the void left by the passing of Mr. Blackwell. Later

="Frayed Knot":3hnipcdi]From the; 'How the (somewhat) mighty have fallen' department: 2B Marcus Giles signs a minor league deal with Philly[/quote:3hnipcdi] Pure insurance with Utley out for the early part of the year due to surgery. Later metirish Jan 07 2009 08:04 PM From MetsBlog Mike Fitzpatrick of the Associated Press believes the Mets have made an offer to free-agent RHP Tim Redding, who was 3-1 with a 3.41 ERA in five starts against the Phillies last season Edgy DC Jan 07 2009 08:56 PM I'll give Redding this: with one inning and six runs, he may be the worst performing Yankee ever. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 07 2009 09:06 PM Bocco Radelli to the Sed Rox. Rockin' Doc Jan 07 2009 10:03 PM If Rocco Baldelli can be reasonably healthy, he could be a great pick up for the Red Sox. I hope he is healthy and has a great season for the Sox. Frayed Knot Jan 08 2009 07:39 AM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":3gx2svou]Bocco Radelli to the Sed Rox.[/quote:3gx2svou] And quite possibly Smoltz too! Not official yet but several outlets are reporting it's 'bout a done deal. I guess they're promising him a starting job - don't think he would have jumped otherwise. Other reports have Trevor Hoffman going to the Brews ... although this is only one day after others had him headed to the Dodgers. Benjamin Grimm Jan 08 2009 07:46 AM Sort of a homecoming for Smoltz. Didn't he start his career with the Braves when they were still playing in Boston? John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 08 2009 07:50 AM No, the Tigers. Anywhoo, oughta soitenly remove Boston from the list of potential Lowe suitors (and cause me some concern too: Why don't any of Lowe's former employers want him back?) smg58 Jan 08 2009 07:50 AM The additions of Smoltz and Brad Penny probably take the Sox out of the discussions for Derek Lowe. Assuming Baldelli gets something like what Hairston got, I'd be a little annoyed that we didn't give him a look. We do need another righthanded bat. Frayed Knot Jan 08 2009 07:57 AM Yeah, I was half-hoping for Baldelli too. He's not a great player and has played fewer games in the last two seasons than Alou had in the two before we got him. But if this problem of his has finally been diagnosed correctly he could be a useful guy to have around. But Omar seems to be on this 'one problem at a time' schedule where nothing can even be talked about until the starter question is answered. metirish Jan 08 2009 08:01 AM Did bucket mis-read Ben's post? John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 08 2009 08:02 AM Yes. Yes I did. Frayed Knot Jan 08 2009 08:14 AM I almost did too because I sometimes confuse the Smoltz trade with the Bagwell one from Boston. The Smoltz from Detroit for Denny Alexander trade happened around the same era as Bagwell for Larry Anderson. Both were done for pennant push help and in each case the minor leaguers were home-town guys (Smoltz is from Mich, Bags from Conn) who turned into HoF possibilities. Edgy DC Jan 08 2009 08:17 AM Doyle Alexander. Now Denny McLain or somebody is getting into the conflation. metirish Jan 08 2009 10:25 AM Looking at a potential nightmare with outfield defense the MFY's are apparently looking to trade Swisher and Nady. Yankees fielding offers for Nady, Swisher Posted by: Jon Heyman The Yankees are fielding trade offers for corner outfielders Xavier Nady and Nick Swisher. There's been some speculation they might consider trading Hideki Matsui, too, but he has a full no-trade clause and is coming off knee surgery, so there's really no way to trade him. A logjam at the corners was created when the Yankees surprised a lot of folks and signed Mark Teixeira to an eight-year, $180 million contract. Swisher previously had been penciled in as the Yankees' first baseman but now becomes part of a crowded mix of accomplished corner outfielders. Swisher is a versatile player and can play some center field, as well. Some National League teams may be interested. However, Nady's trade value is higher after a better offensive season, so he may be just as likely to be dealt. Nady, acquired by the Yankees in a midseason trade with the Pirates, combined to hit .305 with 25 home runs and 97 RBIs for the year, while Swisher finished at .219 with 24 home runs and 69 RBIs for the White Sox before being dealt to the Yankees after the season Vic Sage Jan 08 2009 02:09 PM i'd sure take Nady back, to split time with Church, Murphy and Delgado. But no way the Yanx trade him cross town. Edgy DC Jan 08 2009 02:30 PM You leave Tatis out of that mix. Nady gives you what Tatis gives you, only more and probably better and definitely younger. Tatis' only advantage is playing third. I'd love a Nady around because I think the best way to get something like last year's productivity out of Tatis is to make him earn every at-bat. Benjamin Grimm Jan 08 2009 02:43 PM Maybe Murphy will do that, but I'm not counting on it. Edgy DC Jan 08 2009 02:46 PM What's going down, and I think a lot of us feel it, is that a lot of things went kind of right in Omar's offense that could have easily gone wronger, and he's kind of seeming to kind of be counting on a lot of those same thingies to go right again. Fans be pessemistic creatures, of course. Vic Sage Jan 08 2009 03:21 PM Last year, i think we got about as much as we can reasonably expect this year from 1b, ss, 3b and CF. We got nothing from 2b and C, and RF was a mixed bag. But Murphy/Tatis in LF certainly outperformed all expectations and i do not believe for a minute we'll get similar production from that combo again this year. So, we either upgrade at 2b, c, and/or Rf to compensate, or replace the LF combo before it blows up in our faces. Or we go into the season with 1/2 the lineup very well likely to suck, to one degree or another, even as Omar whistles past the graveyard. attgig Jan 08 2009 03:29 PM ="Vic Sage":37m9y64n]Last year, i think we got about as much as we can reasonably expect this year from 1b, ss, 3b and CF. We got nothing from 2b and C, and RF was a mixed bag. But Murphy/Tatis in LF certainly outperformed all expectations and i do not believe for a minute we'll get similar production from that combo again this year. So, we either upgrade at 2b, c, and/or Rf to compensate, or replace the LF combo before it blows up in our faces. Or we go into the season with 1/2 the lineup very well likely to suck, to one degree or another, even as Omar whistles past the graveyard.[/quote:37m9y64n] and you have a wild card at 1b, so it's not even half a lineup. nobody has faith in schnied to produce offensively, and while castro COULD provide some pop, he just gets hurt too often (he must be the worst backup catcher in the league). 2b, nobody has faith in castillo, except he's saying all the right things. and Church... will his head be screwed on straight? it'll be an interesting few more weeks before spring training. Benjamin Grimm Jan 08 2009 03:35 PM I agree with Vic, including about left field, but I'd be okay with giving Murphy/Tatis a chance to shine again. But in doing that, you have to protect yourself by beefing up some of the other positions. And as yet, the Mets haven't done anything towards that end. Edgy DC Jan 08 2009 07:12 PM Ramon Castro, not the worst backup catcher in the league. DocTee Jan 09 2009 09:42 AM John Smoltz, Red Sock. metirish Jan 09 2009 12:35 PM Swisher the Yanks' preferred candidate over Nady BY KEN DAVIDOFF | ken.davidoff@newsday.com January 9, 2009 In their current roster logjam, the Yankees would strongly prefer to trade Xavier Nady and retain Nick Swisher, a person familiar with the club's thinking said yesterday. General manager Brian Cashman has received more requests for Swisher than for Nady. With spring training more than a month away and the season opener just about three months away, however, there is no imperative to execute a quick trade. The Mets enjoyed having Nady on their club for the first four months of the 2006 season, and they inquired about him last July, when the Yankees wound up getting him from Pittsburgh. For now, however, the Mets are focused on their starting rotation and are not looking to acquire a bat either through free agency or through a trade. Frayed Knot Jan 09 2009 01:54 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jan 09 2009 02:02 PM Swisher switch-hits, and is better and more versatile defensively. He's also signed for the next few years which could be either good or bad depending on whether he regains his hitting from last season's off year. Nady is more likely to hit better (though walk less) and would only be for one year at a price to be determined by arbitration then would be a FA after that. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 09 2009 01:59 PM If we weren't already loaded with lefthanded hitting outfielders, I'd take Godzilla as a LH bench masher in the Franco/Staub mold. Frayed Knot Jan 09 2009 02:04 PM As long as the Cranks would pay 90% of the freight and expect nothing back in return, sure. (OK, maybe 70% with a throw-in going the other way would do) Ashie62 Jan 09 2009 05:10 PM I feel safe to say Tatis has had his middle aged career year..I wouldn't put too high a ceiling there. Daniel Murphy needs more seasoning and I still advocate a year at AAA to learn 2B Mr. Nady..wasn't he a Met who know has Yankee cooties? metirish Jan 11 2009 03:46 PM Source: Martinez talking to Marlins By Enrique Rojas ESPNdeportes.com SANTO DOMINGO, Domican Republic -- Pedro Martinez and the Florida Marlins are believed to be in the beginning stages of negotiating a contract and could meet next week, a source told ESPNdeportes.com Saturday night. The Marlins have spoken with Martinez's agent. Martinez, 37, has won three Cy Young awards and has a career record of 214-99, with a 2.91 ERA and 3,117 strikeouts in 17 seasons with Los Angeles, Montreal, Boston and the New York Mets. Martinez struggled last season to a 5-6 record with a 5.61 ERA with the Mets, after battling injuries and dealing with the death of his father. In his first year with the Mets, Martinez won 15 games and struck out 208 batters in 217 innings. But he has been 17-15 in the last three seasons. Martinez owns a house in Miami. Fman99 Jan 11 2009 07:52 PM ="metirish"]Source: Martinez talking to Marlins By Enrique Rojas ESPNdeportes.com SANTO DOMINGO, Domican Republic -- Pedro Martinez and the Florida Marlins are believed to be in the beginning stages of negotiating a contract and could meet next week, a source told ESPNdeportes.com Saturday night. The Marlins have spoken with Martinez's agent. Martinez, 37, has won three Cy Young awards and has a career record of 214-99, with a 2.91 ERA and 3,117 strikeouts in 17 seasons with Los Angeles, Montreal, Boston and the New York Mets. Martinez struggled last season to a 5-6 record with a 5.61 ERA with the Mets, after battling injuries and dealing with the death of his father. In his first year with the Mets, Martinez won 15 games and struck out 208 batters in 217 innings. But he has been 17-15 in the last three seasons. Martinez owns a house in Miami. Pedro really looked spent in 2008, after having a respectable September prior. I don't think he has much in the tank and I would not miss all the drama. Rockin' Doc Jan 11 2009 09:29 PM Marlins not interested in signing Pedro By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com MIAMI -- Don't look for Pedro Martinez to wind up with the Marlins. A day after a report stated the Marlins were in the mix for the 37-year-old right-hander, a league source confirmed to MLB.com on Sunday that Florida has zero interest. Reports in the Miami Herald, Palm Beach Post and SunSentinel also ruled out the possibility of Martinez joining the club. On Saturday night, a report on ESPNdeportes.com stated the Marlins had discussions with agent Fernando Cuza regarding Martinez. The report added Florida may have begun preliminary contract talks, and that the two sides were expected to continue talking this week. As of late Sunday afternoon, the Marlins were not considered a possible fit. Martinez has a home in Miami, and he has expressed privately a desire to pitch for the Marlins. On Monday, Cuza is expected to have discussions with the Mets about a possible return to New York. The right-hander also is expected to test the free-agent market. Hampered by injuries last year, Martinez was 5-6 with a 5.61 ERA in 20 starts. He threw 109 innings. Working with minimal financial resources, the Marlins are looking for affordable free agents. The team did explore adding veteran Carl Pavano, who signed with the Indians. The Marlins are prepared to head into Spring Training with a rotation that includes Josh Johnson, Ricky Nolasco, Chris Volstad, Andrew Miller and Anibal Sanchez. Nolasco, eliglbe for arbitration, still has not signed. Florida continues to explore depth at catcher. The team is looking for low-priced options there. A free agent that could be a fit is Ivan Rodriguez, but only if his price tag continues to drop this month. Frayed Knot Jan 12 2009 07:01 AM IOW, the earlier story was an agent plant. Edgy DC Jan 12 2009 08:20 AM Yeah, use the threat of the Daddy Warbucks Marlins to trigger a false bidding war. That's the ticket. Rockin' Doc Jan 12 2009 11:09 AM I think that Pedro had far more interest in the Marlins than they had in him. I believe that Pedro is desperate to play another season, but I don't think teams throughout the league are very interested in signing him. Pedro was once a dominant, HOF caliber pitcher, but he seems to be the one person that doesn't see how far removed from his former greatness he now is. metirish Jan 12 2009 11:17 AM If Pedro Martinez retired tomorrow he would surely be in the HOF at first ballot , wouldn't he? Rockin' Doc Jan 12 2009 11:21 AM I was not inferring that Pedro Martinez was not worthy of enshrinement in Coopperstown. He has had a tremendous career and was arguably one of the top 2 or 3 pitchers in MLB for several seasons. I would vote for him (if I had a vote) when his name comes up on the HOF ballot. I was simply stating that he is not nearly the dominant pitcher he once was. Edgy DC Jan 12 2009 11:22 AM I think he's pretty aware of what happened last year. If he didn't still believe he could turn it around, he wouldn't be the great pitcher he is. What's more, I believe he could turn it around. In his prime, he had an unprecedented four killer pitches, so it's not like he was fastball-reliant. It's a matter of finding what he can do with what's left of his fastball and using it to complement the rest of his arsenal. That's a far ways from saying he will return to a productive level, but I'm certain he can. Glavine continued to pitch effectively with a powder puff fastball and a change. While his control was still very good, Pedro's has always been even better. And if I'm the Mets, I'm willing to spend some change to find out. Giving him Redding's money with an automatically vesting bonus year of $9 million if he gets 180 innings? Yeah, go for it. I'm certain he can do as well as Redding in 2009, and a damn fine bet to do better. The only thing Redding has over him is a better doctor's report. metirish Jan 12 2009 05:05 PM Michael Young wants out of Texas , can play 2nd base. I should add that Heyman just said on the Hot stove that he has %62 million left on his big contract. smg58 Jan 12 2009 05:22 PM Young's expensive, and the dropoff in his numbers over the past three years has been precipitous. Even if they took Castillo it would still be a $10M payroll hit, and he's just not that good anymore. Frayed Knot Jan 15 2009 01:14 PM Dodgers reportedly to release Andruw before today is out Benjamin Grimm Jan 15 2009 01:52 PM Wow. He's horrendously overpaid, but they're going to have to eat that contract anyway. Is there no hope of him having a bounceback year? Someone will be able to pick him up for minimum wage, and they may get a hell of a bargain at the Dodgers expense. metirish Jan 15 2009 01:56 PM Jones was on MLB Network the other night talking about how he would love to go back to the Braves. Edgy DC Jan 15 2009 02:01 PM No doubt. metsmarathon Jan 15 2009 02:28 PM i'd give andruw a shot, for minimum wage... Frayed Knot Jan 15 2009 05:45 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":2v9kwf3v]Wow. He's horrendously overpaid, but they're going to have to eat that contract anyway. Is there no hope of him having a bounceback year?[/quote:2v9kwf3v] I guess not enough of a chance in their minds to make carrying him all year worth it. They restructured his deal last week with a release in mind so I assume they're going to do similar thing to what we did with Bonilla (only on a much bigger scale): pay out the remainder over a long period to avoid getting hit with it all at once. Benjamin Grimm Jan 23 2009 08:34 AM The Philadelphia Inquirer is reporting today that the Phillies are aggressively trying to sign Moises Alou. metirish Jan 23 2009 08:36 AM Would Alou be a starter there or would he be in a limited role , who's in the outfield there along with Ibanez?...Dobbs?....Victorino? John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 23 2009 08:37 AM Watch him hit .500 and stay healthy all year. Bastard. Frayed Knot Jan 23 2009 08:44 AM He wouldn't start there - but he'd be a potentially good RH bat off the bench for a predominately lefty hitting squad. Benjamin Grimm Jan 23 2009 08:51 AM The three options (Perez, Wolf, and Sheets) may be soon reduced to two: ="MLB.com":2t16pb69]The deep freeze that's been the Major League free-agent market this winter has shown indications a thaw is coming -- at least for starting pitchers. On the heels of the Mets reaching an apparent agreement on a Minor League deal with right-hander Freddy Garcia, it looks like the Dodgers have taken the inside track in the competition for lefty starter Randy Wolf's services. According to sources for FoxSports.com, Wolf could most likely be signed to a one or two-year deal. Wolf previously pitched for Los Angeles in 2007 and was 12-12 with a 4.30 ERA in a combined 33 starts last season for the Padres and Astros. FoxSports.com said Wolf would get less than the three-year, $28 million offer the pitcher turned down from Houston earlier this winter. [/quote:2t16pb69] metsguyinmichigan Jan 23 2009 08:57 AM Supposedly, Sheets is meeting with the Rangers. metirish Jan 23 2009 08:58 AM Wolf turned down an offer for that much? , and I was thinking he could be had for a song on a one year deal. sharpie Jan 23 2009 08:58 AM Fine. I actually saw Wolf pitch twice last year, at the only game I attended at MFY Stadium and at the game I attended at Petco. Both time he got shellacked. smg58 Jan 23 2009 09:34 AM There are a number of available starters who can give you at least a league average ERA, several of whom have the upside to do significantly better. Randy Wolf is not one of them. I see no point in pursuing a demonstrably inferior pitcher just because he's a lefty. Edgy DC Jan 23 2009 09:59 AM I don't think anybody but Wally Matthews is arguing that his leftiness is important, and Wally is only throwing that pitch to drum up "Mets Gotta Steal Pettitte" angles. Who do you have your eye on? metirish Jan 23 2009 08:11 PM Just turned over to MLB Network after watching "What Not To Wear" and heard Tom Verducci say that Perez is moving closer to signing with the Mets. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 23 2009 08:59 PM Here's the source: Jon "Boras Boy" Heyman ]Mets extend offer to Perez, their top target The Mets have placed an offer on the table for free-agent lefthander Oliver Perez, SI.com has learned, and are hopeful to have an answer in coming days regarding their prime pitching target. The Mets are believed to have improved their original thought, which was for about $30 million over three years. But it isn't certain what their latest offer is. Perez remains the Mets' top choice for the final spot in their rotation, though the team has remained in contact with three other free-agent pitchers -- Randy Wolf, Jon Garland and Ben Sheets. They know they'd have competition for Wolf (Dodgers), Garland (Diamondbacks) and Sheets (Rangers, possibly Yankees) but aren't sure what other teams are competing for Perez. The Mets had been hopeful to land free agent Derek Lowe earlier but were surprised when the rival Braves outbid them by $24 million, landing Lowe with a $60-million, four-year contract. Perez, 27, is eight years younger than Lowe, though not quite as consistent. Mets GM Omar Minaya would love to import Perez, so the Mets are not likely to take one of the other pitchers unless he feels his chances for Perez are gone. Nymr83 Jan 24 2009 12:14 PM I hope "the mystery team" comes and raises perez's price too high so we can sign Sheets. Then Boras and Perez can admit there was no mystery team and we get both at a reduced rate! MFS62 Jan 24 2009 01:21 PM If money is the issue, I'd like to see the Mets sign Sheets and with any Ollie Perez money left over, go out and sign Odalis Perez. His ERA was only .10 worse than Ollie's last year, is still only 32 years old, and probably be signed for far less money than any of the other names that have been in the press lately. Later MFS62 Jan 24 2009 01:21 PM Oops. Dupe Sorry Later seawolf17 Jan 30 2009 01:00 PM Varitek back to Boston for one year, $5 million. Frayed Knot Jan 30 2009 02:36 PM Varitek's (read: Boras's) threat to sit out the season and/or retire didn't get the Sox to budge I see. Tek is one of several who turned down arbitration offers this winter only to wind up not only with a much smaller deal than arb would have snagged him but didn't get the multi-year deal either. Now it's hope you play well and the economy improves when you can do the same dance next year. Ashie62 Feb 02 2009 03:56 PM Anyone for Varitek via trade and a pay raise? Fman99 Feb 02 2009 07:27 PM ="Ashie62":2t5ssjz6]Anyone for Varitek via trade and a pay raise?[/quote:2t5ssjz6] .220 metirish Feb 02 2009 07:43 PM Is that his weight or his average? , sucks either way though. metirish Feb 04 2009 11:35 AM ]Left-hander Chase Wright was traded by the New York Yankees to the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday for outfielder-catcher Eric Fryer. metirish Feb 07 2009 02:23 PM Andruw Jones turns down non-roster spring training invite from the MFY's. Rockin' Doc Feb 07 2009 05:10 PM metirish - "Andruw Jones turns down non-roster spring training invite from the MFY's." Good to see that Jones has his pride. Better to go unsigned than sell one's soul by possibly donning a Yankee uniform. I suddenly have a new sense of respect for Jones. MFS62 Feb 08 2009 07:35 AM ="Rockin' Doc":2e2xwbch]metirish - "Andruw Jones turns down non-roster spring training invite from the MFY's." Good to see that Jones has his pride. Better to go unsigned than sell one's soul by possibly donning a Yankee uniform. I suddenly have a new sense of respect for Jones.[/quote:2e2xwbch] B'sides, they couldn't have the signing photo op soon anyhow. They'd first have to send out Cecil Fielder's uni to have the seams let out to fit Jones. Later Frayed Knot Feb 08 2009 08:45 PM Andruw to the Rangers - apparently gets a ML deal for low-end money (500K) plus incentives. 15mil to practically minimum wage in one year is tough to do. Fman99 Feb 09 2009 06:44 AM ="Frayed Knot":1zv55w66]Andruw to the Rangers - apparently gets a ML deal for low-end money (500K) plus incentives. 15mil to practically minimum wage in one year is tough to do.[/quote:1zv55w66] Yeah, poor guy. My heart breaks for him. /sarcasm Edgy DC Feb 09 2009 07:07 AM It's not like he doesn't get to keep the 15 miills. Vic Sage Feb 09 2009 09:08 AM yeah, i mean basically he just got a raise! Frayed Knot Feb 09 2009 09:26 AM Sure, it just shows a helluva difference between what someone thought he was worth last year vs what they think he's worth barely a year later. How the mighty (and fat) have fallen.

Wayne when the moon is in the seventh housie VS Tommy nobody ever loved as much as he, but me, I love you Moore. (from "Pajama Game") Later

Bill Joltin' Joe Has Left and Gone A-Wakefield VS Chan Ho MacArthur Park Later

ESPN radio reporting that Boras will soon (next day or so?) meet with the Mets to discuss both Ollie Perez and Derek Lowe. Later

He's ... http://www.mtvmusic.com/yankovic_weird_al/videos/111300/fat.jhtml Later

="smg58":1gnuo0ct]The Cubs apparently are giving 3 years and $30M to Milton Bradley. They expect him to play right field full time, even though he has had trouble staying in the lineup when he's been the DH. Given Burrell's deal and the fact that Abreu would have made much more sense for them, I really don't get this one.[/quote:1gnuo0ct] Can't wait to see him go head-to-head with Pinella. Later smg58 Jan 07 2009 05:51 AM And the bargains continue. Jason Giambi returns to Oakland for a year and an option, and Jerry Hairston stays in Cincinnatti for a year and $2M. I don't get the Mets' lack of interest in Hairston at that price. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 07 2009 06:20 AM ="smg58":162h2ehz]And the bargains continue. Jason Giambi returns to Oakland for a year and an option, and Jerry Hairston stays in Cincinnatti for a year and $2M. I don't get the Mets' lack of interest in Hairston at that price.[/quote:162h2ehz] Makes ya crazy. Geez. I mean, about Hairston. Frayed Knot Jan 07 2009 07:18 AM Maybe Hairston gets a chance to start in Cincy and couldn't be sure of that here. Never did even hear a rumor of them looking at him though. Also: - Pavano to Cleveland for a year at a low base with lotsa IP incentives - Cubs deal Jason Marquis (de Sade) to Colorado for LH reliever Luis Vizcaino Edgy DC Jan 07 2009 07:42 AM Andy Pettitte turns down one year and $10 million from the Yanks in a declining market. Edgy DC Jan 07 2009 10:10 AM Yomiuri Giant Koji Uehara signs with Bal'more for two years. Reports say that he's the team's first Japanese player, but they forget Nippo-Hawaiian Len Sakata. Centerfield Jan 07 2009 10:41 AM Len was American. smg58 Jan 07 2009 10:58 AM ="Frayed Knot":2gsb44fr]- Pavano to Cleveland for a year at a low base with lotsa IP incentives - Cubs deal Jason Marquis (de Sade) to Colorado for LH reliever Luis Vizcaino[/quote:2gsb44fr] I'll laugh if Pavano gives the Indians 27 starts (i.e., more starts than he gave the MFY's in four years). The Marquis deal appears to leave Jorge de la Rosa out of the rotation in Colorado. I'd see what the asking price for him is; he finished very strongly last year, and he's at least as good as Tim Redding. Edgy DC Jan 07 2009 11:01 AM ="Centerfield":biqnwx39]Len was American.[/quote:biqnwx39] As I said. Frayed Knot Jan 07 2009 12:00 PM From the; 'How the (somewhat) mighty have fallen' department: 2B Marcus Giles signs a minor league deal with Philly MFS62 Jan 07 2009 12:14 PM ="Frayed Knot":3hnipcdi]From the; 'How the (somewhat) mighty have fallen' department: 2B Marcus Giles signs a minor league deal with Philly[/quote:3hnipcdi] Pure insurance with Utley out for the early part of the year due to surgery. Later metirish Jan 07 2009 08:04 PM From MetsBlog Mike Fitzpatrick of the Associated Press believes the Mets have made an offer to free-agent RHP Tim Redding, who was 3-1 with a 3.41 ERA in five starts against the Phillies last season Edgy DC Jan 07 2009 08:56 PM I'll give Redding this: with one inning and six runs, he may be the worst performing Yankee ever. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 07 2009 09:06 PM Bocco Radelli to the Sed Rox. Rockin' Doc Jan 07 2009 10:03 PM If Rocco Baldelli can be reasonably healthy, he could be a great pick up for the Red Sox. I hope he is healthy and has a great season for the Sox. Frayed Knot Jan 08 2009 07:39 AM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":3gx2svou]Bocco Radelli to the Sed Rox.[/quote:3gx2svou] And quite possibly Smoltz too! Not official yet but several outlets are reporting it's 'bout a done deal. I guess they're promising him a starting job - don't think he would have jumped otherwise. Other reports have Trevor Hoffman going to the Brews ... although this is only one day after others had him headed to the Dodgers. Benjamin Grimm Jan 08 2009 07:46 AM Sort of a homecoming for Smoltz. Didn't he start his career with the Braves when they were still playing in Boston? John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 08 2009 07:50 AM No, the Tigers. Anywhoo, oughta soitenly remove Boston from the list of potential Lowe suitors (and cause me some concern too: Why don't any of Lowe's former employers want him back?) smg58 Jan 08 2009 07:50 AM The additions of Smoltz and Brad Penny probably take the Sox out of the discussions for Derek Lowe. Assuming Baldelli gets something like what Hairston got, I'd be a little annoyed that we didn't give him a look. We do need another righthanded bat. Frayed Knot Jan 08 2009 07:57 AM Yeah, I was half-hoping for Baldelli too. He's not a great player and has played fewer games in the last two seasons than Alou had in the two before we got him. But if this problem of his has finally been diagnosed correctly he could be a useful guy to have around. But Omar seems to be on this 'one problem at a time' schedule where nothing can even be talked about until the starter question is answered. metirish Jan 08 2009 08:01 AM Did bucket mis-read Ben's post? John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 08 2009 08:02 AM Yes. Yes I did. Frayed Knot Jan 08 2009 08:14 AM I almost did too because I sometimes confuse the Smoltz trade with the Bagwell one from Boston. The Smoltz from Detroit for Denny Alexander trade happened around the same era as Bagwell for Larry Anderson. Both were done for pennant push help and in each case the minor leaguers were home-town guys (Smoltz is from Mich, Bags from Conn) who turned into HoF possibilities. Edgy DC Jan 08 2009 08:17 AM Doyle Alexander. Now Denny McLain or somebody is getting into the conflation. metirish Jan 08 2009 10:25 AM Looking at a potential nightmare with outfield defense the MFY's are apparently looking to trade Swisher and Nady. Yankees fielding offers for Nady, Swisher Posted by: Jon Heyman The Yankees are fielding trade offers for corner outfielders Xavier Nady and Nick Swisher. There's been some speculation they might consider trading Hideki Matsui, too, but he has a full no-trade clause and is coming off knee surgery, so there's really no way to trade him. A logjam at the corners was created when the Yankees surprised a lot of folks and signed Mark Teixeira to an eight-year, $180 million contract. Swisher previously had been penciled in as the Yankees' first baseman but now becomes part of a crowded mix of accomplished corner outfielders. Swisher is a versatile player and can play some center field, as well. Some National League teams may be interested. However, Nady's trade value is higher after a better offensive season, so he may be just as likely to be dealt. Nady, acquired by the Yankees in a midseason trade with the Pirates, combined to hit .305 with 25 home runs and 97 RBIs for the year, while Swisher finished at .219 with 24 home runs and 69 RBIs for the White Sox before being dealt to the Yankees after the season Vic Sage Jan 08 2009 02:09 PM i'd sure take Nady back, to split time with Church, Murphy and Delgado. But no way the Yanx trade him cross town. Edgy DC Jan 08 2009 02:30 PM You leave Tatis out of that mix. Nady gives you what Tatis gives you, only more and probably better and definitely younger. Tatis' only advantage is playing third. I'd love a Nady around because I think the best way to get something like last year's productivity out of Tatis is to make him earn every at-bat. Benjamin Grimm Jan 08 2009 02:43 PM Maybe Murphy will do that, but I'm not counting on it. Edgy DC Jan 08 2009 02:46 PM What's going down, and I think a lot of us feel it, is that a lot of things went kind of right in Omar's offense that could have easily gone wronger, and he's kind of seeming to kind of be counting on a lot of those same thingies to go right again. Fans be pessemistic creatures, of course. Vic Sage Jan 08 2009 03:21 PM Last year, i think we got about as much as we can reasonably expect this year from 1b, ss, 3b and CF. We got nothing from 2b and C, and RF was a mixed bag. But Murphy/Tatis in LF certainly outperformed all expectations and i do not believe for a minute we'll get similar production from that combo again this year. So, we either upgrade at 2b, c, and/or Rf to compensate, or replace the LF combo before it blows up in our faces. Or we go into the season with 1/2 the lineup very well likely to suck, to one degree or another, even as Omar whistles past the graveyard. attgig Jan 08 2009 03:29 PM ="Vic Sage":37m9y64n]Last year, i think we got about as much as we can reasonably expect this year from 1b, ss, 3b and CF. We got nothing from 2b and C, and RF was a mixed bag. But Murphy/Tatis in LF certainly outperformed all expectations and i do not believe for a minute we'll get similar production from that combo again this year. So, we either upgrade at 2b, c, and/or Rf to compensate, or replace the LF combo before it blows up in our faces. Or we go into the season with 1/2 the lineup very well likely to suck, to one degree or another, even as Omar whistles past the graveyard.[/quote:37m9y64n] and you have a wild card at 1b, so it's not even half a lineup. nobody has faith in schnied to produce offensively, and while castro COULD provide some pop, he just gets hurt too often (he must be the worst backup catcher in the league). 2b, nobody has faith in castillo, except he's saying all the right things. and Church... will his head be screwed on straight? it'll be an interesting few more weeks before spring training. Benjamin Grimm Jan 08 2009 03:35 PM I agree with Vic, including about left field, but I'd be okay with giving Murphy/Tatis a chance to shine again. But in doing that, you have to protect yourself by beefing up some of the other positions. And as yet, the Mets haven't done anything towards that end. Edgy DC Jan 08 2009 07:12 PM Ramon Castro, not the worst backup catcher in the league. DocTee Jan 09 2009 09:42 AM John Smoltz, Red Sock. metirish Jan 09 2009 12:35 PM Swisher the Yanks' preferred candidate over Nady BY KEN DAVIDOFF | ken.davidoff@newsday.com January 9, 2009 In their current roster logjam, the Yankees would strongly prefer to trade Xavier Nady and retain Nick Swisher, a person familiar with the club's thinking said yesterday. General manager Brian Cashman has received more requests for Swisher than for Nady. With spring training more than a month away and the season opener just about three months away, however, there is no imperative to execute a quick trade. The Mets enjoyed having Nady on their club for the first four months of the 2006 season, and they inquired about him last July, when the Yankees wound up getting him from Pittsburgh. For now, however, the Mets are focused on their starting rotation and are not looking to acquire a bat either through free agency or through a trade. Frayed Knot Jan 09 2009 01:54 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jan 09 2009 02:02 PM Swisher switch-hits, and is better and more versatile defensively. He's also signed for the next few years which could be either good or bad depending on whether he regains his hitting from last season's off year. Nady is more likely to hit better (though walk less) and would only be for one year at a price to be determined by arbitration then would be a FA after that. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 09 2009 01:59 PM If we weren't already loaded with lefthanded hitting outfielders, I'd take Godzilla as a LH bench masher in the Franco/Staub mold. Frayed Knot Jan 09 2009 02:04 PM As long as the Cranks would pay 90% of the freight and expect nothing back in return, sure. (OK, maybe 70% with a throw-in going the other way would do) Ashie62 Jan 09 2009 05:10 PM I feel safe to say Tatis has had his middle aged career year..I wouldn't put too high a ceiling there. Daniel Murphy needs more seasoning and I still advocate a year at AAA to learn 2B Mr. Nady..wasn't he a Met who know has Yankee cooties? metirish Jan 11 2009 03:46 PM Source: Martinez talking to Marlins By Enrique Rojas ESPNdeportes.com SANTO DOMINGO, Domican Republic -- Pedro Martinez and the Florida Marlins are believed to be in the beginning stages of negotiating a contract and could meet next week, a source told ESPNdeportes.com Saturday night. The Marlins have spoken with Martinez's agent. Martinez, 37, has won three Cy Young awards and has a career record of 214-99, with a 2.91 ERA and 3,117 strikeouts in 17 seasons with Los Angeles, Montreal, Boston and the New York Mets. Martinez struggled last season to a 5-6 record with a 5.61 ERA with the Mets, after battling injuries and dealing with the death of his father. In his first year with the Mets, Martinez won 15 games and struck out 208 batters in 217 innings. But he has been 17-15 in the last three seasons. Martinez owns a house in Miami. Fman99 Jan 11 2009 07:52 PM ="metirish"]Source: Martinez talking to Marlins By Enrique Rojas ESPNdeportes.com SANTO DOMINGO, Domican Republic -- Pedro Martinez and the Florida Marlins are believed to be in the beginning stages of negotiating a contract and could meet next week, a source told ESPNdeportes.com Saturday night. The Marlins have spoken with Martinez's agent. Martinez, 37, has won three Cy Young awards and has a career record of 214-99, with a 2.91 ERA and 3,117 strikeouts in 17 seasons with Los Angeles, Montreal, Boston and the New York Mets. Martinez struggled last season to a 5-6 record with a 5.61 ERA with the Mets, after battling injuries and dealing with the death of his father. In his first year with the Mets, Martinez won 15 games and struck out 208 batters in 217 innings. But he has been 17-15 in the last three seasons. Martinez owns a house in Miami. Pedro really looked spent in 2008, after having a respectable September prior. I don't think he has much in the tank and I would not miss all the drama. Rockin' Doc Jan 11 2009 09:29 PM Marlins not interested in signing Pedro By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com MIAMI -- Don't look for Pedro Martinez to wind up with the Marlins. A day after a report stated the Marlins were in the mix for the 37-year-old right-hander, a league source confirmed to MLB.com on Sunday that Florida has zero interest. Reports in the Miami Herald, Palm Beach Post and SunSentinel also ruled out the possibility of Martinez joining the club. On Saturday night, a report on ESPNdeportes.com stated the Marlins had discussions with agent Fernando Cuza regarding Martinez. The report added Florida may have begun preliminary contract talks, and that the two sides were expected to continue talking this week. As of late Sunday afternoon, the Marlins were not considered a possible fit. Martinez has a home in Miami, and he has expressed privately a desire to pitch for the Marlins. On Monday, Cuza is expected to have discussions with the Mets about a possible return to New York. The right-hander also is expected to test the free-agent market. Hampered by injuries last year, Martinez was 5-6 with a 5.61 ERA in 20 starts. He threw 109 innings. Working with minimal financial resources, the Marlins are looking for affordable free agents. The team did explore adding veteran Carl Pavano, who signed with the Indians. The Marlins are prepared to head into Spring Training with a rotation that includes Josh Johnson, Ricky Nolasco, Chris Volstad, Andrew Miller and Anibal Sanchez. Nolasco, eliglbe for arbitration, still has not signed. Florida continues to explore depth at catcher. The team is looking for low-priced options there. A free agent that could be a fit is Ivan Rodriguez, but only if his price tag continues to drop this month. Frayed Knot Jan 12 2009 07:01 AM IOW, the earlier story was an agent plant. Edgy DC Jan 12 2009 08:20 AM Yeah, use the threat of the Daddy Warbucks Marlins to trigger a false bidding war. That's the ticket. Rockin' Doc Jan 12 2009 11:09 AM I think that Pedro had far more interest in the Marlins than they had in him. I believe that Pedro is desperate to play another season, but I don't think teams throughout the league are very interested in signing him. Pedro was once a dominant, HOF caliber pitcher, but he seems to be the one person that doesn't see how far removed from his former greatness he now is. metirish Jan 12 2009 11:17 AM If Pedro Martinez retired tomorrow he would surely be in the HOF at first ballot , wouldn't he? Rockin' Doc Jan 12 2009 11:21 AM I was not inferring that Pedro Martinez was not worthy of enshrinement in Coopperstown. He has had a tremendous career and was arguably one of the top 2 or 3 pitchers in MLB for several seasons. I would vote for him (if I had a vote) when his name comes up on the HOF ballot. I was simply stating that he is not nearly the dominant pitcher he once was. Edgy DC Jan 12 2009 11:22 AM I think he's pretty aware of what happened last year. If he didn't still believe he could turn it around, he wouldn't be the great pitcher he is. What's more, I believe he could turn it around. In his prime, he had an unprecedented four killer pitches, so it's not like he was fastball-reliant. It's a matter of finding what he can do with what's left of his fastball and using it to complement the rest of his arsenal. That's a far ways from saying he will return to a productive level, but I'm certain he can. Glavine continued to pitch effectively with a powder puff fastball and a change. While his control was still very good, Pedro's has always been even better. And if I'm the Mets, I'm willing to spend some change to find out. Giving him Redding's money with an automatically vesting bonus year of $9 million if he gets 180 innings? Yeah, go for it. I'm certain he can do as well as Redding in 2009, and a damn fine bet to do better. The only thing Redding has over him is a better doctor's report. metirish Jan 12 2009 05:05 PM Michael Young wants out of Texas , can play 2nd base. I should add that Heyman just said on the Hot stove that he has %62 million left on his big contract. smg58 Jan 12 2009 05:22 PM Young's expensive, and the dropoff in his numbers over the past three years has been precipitous. Even if they took Castillo it would still be a $10M payroll hit, and he's just not that good anymore. Frayed Knot Jan 15 2009 01:14 PM Dodgers reportedly to release Andruw before today is out Benjamin Grimm Jan 15 2009 01:52 PM Wow. He's horrendously overpaid, but they're going to have to eat that contract anyway. Is there no hope of him having a bounceback year? Someone will be able to pick him up for minimum wage, and they may get a hell of a bargain at the Dodgers expense. metirish Jan 15 2009 01:56 PM Jones was on MLB Network the other night talking about how he would love to go back to the Braves. Edgy DC Jan 15 2009 02:01 PM No doubt. metsmarathon Jan 15 2009 02:28 PM i'd give andruw a shot, for minimum wage... Frayed Knot Jan 15 2009 05:45 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":2v9kwf3v]Wow. He's horrendously overpaid, but they're going to have to eat that contract anyway. Is there no hope of him having a bounceback year?[/quote:2v9kwf3v] I guess not enough of a chance in their minds to make carrying him all year worth it. They restructured his deal last week with a release in mind so I assume they're going to do similar thing to what we did with Bonilla (only on a much bigger scale): pay out the remainder over a long period to avoid getting hit with it all at once. Benjamin Grimm Jan 23 2009 08:34 AM The Philadelphia Inquirer is reporting today that the Phillies are aggressively trying to sign Moises Alou. metirish Jan 23 2009 08:36 AM Would Alou be a starter there or would he be in a limited role , who's in the outfield there along with Ibanez?...Dobbs?....Victorino? John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 23 2009 08:37 AM Watch him hit .500 and stay healthy all year. Bastard. Frayed Knot Jan 23 2009 08:44 AM He wouldn't start there - but he'd be a potentially good RH bat off the bench for a predominately lefty hitting squad. Benjamin Grimm Jan 23 2009 08:51 AM The three options (Perez, Wolf, and Sheets) may be soon reduced to two: ="MLB.com":2t16pb69]The deep freeze that's been the Major League free-agent market this winter has shown indications a thaw is coming -- at least for starting pitchers. On the heels of the Mets reaching an apparent agreement on a Minor League deal with right-hander Freddy Garcia, it looks like the Dodgers have taken the inside track in the competition for lefty starter Randy Wolf's services. According to sources for FoxSports.com, Wolf could most likely be signed to a one or two-year deal. Wolf previously pitched for Los Angeles in 2007 and was 12-12 with a 4.30 ERA in a combined 33 starts last season for the Padres and Astros. FoxSports.com said Wolf would get less than the three-year, $28 million offer the pitcher turned down from Houston earlier this winter. [/quote:2t16pb69] metsguyinmichigan Jan 23 2009 08:57 AM Supposedly, Sheets is meeting with the Rangers. metirish Jan 23 2009 08:58 AM Wolf turned down an offer for that much? , and I was thinking he could be had for a song on a one year deal. sharpie Jan 23 2009 08:58 AM Fine. I actually saw Wolf pitch twice last year, at the only game I attended at MFY Stadium and at the game I attended at Petco. Both time he got shellacked. smg58 Jan 23 2009 09:34 AM There are a number of available starters who can give you at least a league average ERA, several of whom have the upside to do significantly better. Randy Wolf is not one of them. I see no point in pursuing a demonstrably inferior pitcher just because he's a lefty. Edgy DC Jan 23 2009 09:59 AM I don't think anybody but Wally Matthews is arguing that his leftiness is important, and Wally is only throwing that pitch to drum up "Mets Gotta Steal Pettitte" angles. Who do you have your eye on? metirish Jan 23 2009 08:11 PM Just turned over to MLB Network after watching "What Not To Wear" and heard Tom Verducci say that Perez is moving closer to signing with the Mets. John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 23 2009 08:59 PM Here's the source: Jon "Boras Boy" Heyman ]Mets extend offer to Perez, their top target The Mets have placed an offer on the table for free-agent lefthander Oliver Perez, SI.com has learned, and are hopeful to have an answer in coming days regarding their prime pitching target. The Mets are believed to have improved their original thought, which was for about $30 million over three years. But it isn't certain what their latest offer is. Perez remains the Mets' top choice for the final spot in their rotation, though the team has remained in contact with three other free-agent pitchers -- Randy Wolf, Jon Garland and Ben Sheets. They know they'd have competition for Wolf (Dodgers), Garland (Diamondbacks) and Sheets (Rangers, possibly Yankees) but aren't sure what other teams are competing for Perez. The Mets had been hopeful to land free agent Derek Lowe earlier but were surprised when the rival Braves outbid them by $24 million, landing Lowe with a $60-million, four-year contract. Perez, 27, is eight years younger than Lowe, though not quite as consistent. Mets GM Omar Minaya would love to import Perez, so the Mets are not likely to take one of the other pitchers unless he feels his chances for Perez are gone. Nymr83 Jan 24 2009 12:14 PM I hope "the mystery team" comes and raises perez's price too high so we can sign Sheets. Then Boras and Perez can admit there was no mystery team and we get both at a reduced rate! MFS62 Jan 24 2009 01:21 PM If money is the issue, I'd like to see the Mets sign Sheets and with any Ollie Perez money left over, go out and sign Odalis Perez. His ERA was only .10 worse than Ollie's last year, is still only 32 years old, and probably be signed for far less money than any of the other names that have been in the press lately. Later MFS62 Jan 24 2009 01:21 PM Oops. Dupe Sorry Later seawolf17 Jan 30 2009 01:00 PM Varitek back to Boston for one year, $5 million. Frayed Knot Jan 30 2009 02:36 PM Varitek's (read: Boras's) threat to sit out the season and/or retire didn't get the Sox to budge I see. Tek is one of several who turned down arbitration offers this winter only to wind up not only with a much smaller deal than arb would have snagged him but didn't get the multi-year deal either. Now it's hope you play well and the economy improves when you can do the same dance next year. Ashie62 Feb 02 2009 03:56 PM Anyone for Varitek via trade and a pay raise? Fman99 Feb 02 2009 07:27 PM ="Ashie62":2t5ssjz6]Anyone for Varitek via trade and a pay raise?[/quote:2t5ssjz6] .220 metirish Feb 02 2009 07:43 PM Is that his weight or his average? , sucks either way though. metirish Feb 04 2009 11:35 AM ]Left-hander Chase Wright was traded by the New York Yankees to the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday for outfielder-catcher Eric Fryer. metirish Feb 07 2009 02:23 PM Andruw Jones turns down non-roster spring training invite from the MFY's. Rockin' Doc Feb 07 2009 05:10 PM metirish - "Andruw Jones turns down non-roster spring training invite from the MFY's." Good to see that Jones has his pride. Better to go unsigned than sell one's soul by possibly donning a Yankee uniform. I suddenly have a new sense of respect for Jones. MFS62 Feb 08 2009 07:35 AM ="Rockin' Doc":2e2xwbch]metirish - "Andruw Jones turns down non-roster spring training invite from the MFY's." Good to see that Jones has his pride. Better to go unsigned than sell one's soul by possibly donning a Yankee uniform. I suddenly have a new sense of respect for Jones.[/quote:2e2xwbch] B'sides, they couldn't have the signing photo op soon anyhow. They'd first have to send out Cecil Fielder's uni to have the seams let out to fit Jones. Later Frayed Knot Feb 08 2009 08:45 PM Andruw to the Rangers - apparently gets a ML deal for low-end money (500K) plus incentives. 15mil to practically minimum wage in one year is tough to do. Fman99 Feb 09 2009 06:44 AM ="Frayed Knot":1zv55w66]Andruw to the Rangers - apparently gets a ML deal for low-end money (500K) plus incentives. 15mil to practically minimum wage in one year is tough to do.[/quote:1zv55w66] Yeah, poor guy. My heart breaks for him. /sarcasm Edgy DC Feb 09 2009 07:07 AM It's not like he doesn't get to keep the 15 miills. Vic Sage Feb 09 2009 09:08 AM yeah, i mean basically he just got a raise! Frayed Knot Feb 09 2009 09:26 AM Sure, it just shows a helluva difference between what someone thought he was worth last year vs what they think he's worth barely a year later. How the mighty (and fat) have fallen.

If the Mets are watching their money, here's a name I may have mentioned before - Odalis Perez. He's 32, never had arm problems, a lefty, once led the NL in ERA and last year his ERA was only about 0.10 worse than Ollie's. And with the money left over, go out and sign Orlando HUdson for second base. Later

In keeping with the three name thread in the non-baseball forum, I'll always remember him as Felix Lamela Mantilla. (I dunno why, but his middle name always stuck in my mind) Later

="Edgy DC":aq2vii7c]Side question: You get to knock one of these guys in his smug puss. Which do you choose, in order? [/quote:aq2vii7c] I'd start at the left. Take out the big guy and the others will probably run anyhow. Why else? Because of the uni he's wearing. Later Edgy DC Jan 03 2009 01:19 PM No, I clearly have a problem with clowns. metsguyinmichigan Jan 03 2009 01:37 PM Dibble. Then I'd just keep hitting him while the other three run away. Yes, he deserves it that much. Fman99 Jan 03 2009 01:50 PM You start with the littlest white guy. Duh. Frayed Knot Jan 03 2009 03:18 PM Even if you don't like him, a reporter like Heyman can't possibly be lumped in with the 'ain't we naughty' jock-sniffers and frat boys from a piece of gossipy trash like 'Best Damn Sports Show'. metirish Jan 03 2009 03:24 PM Does Heyman still keep his SNY gig? I see he is listed on sny.tv as SNY's Sports News Team. Frayed Knot Jan 04 2009 07:37 AM Yes, Heyman will be SNY's journo-for-hire as well. Also, Newsday media writer Neil Best suggests in today's column that, "Barack Obama will name Jon Heyman the official Sports Journalist of America, allowing cash-strapped media companies to avoid employing anyone else" Frayed Knot Feb 27 2009 07:41 AM Manny rejects latest Dodger offer. Essentially it was the same 2/$45 deal he scoffed at before except this one put the 2nd year option in the player's hands rather than the club's. This way, iffin' he had a good year, he was free to fly the coop and search for a new deal maybe in a better economy ... but NOOOOOoooooo! If I'm the Dodgers now I counter with a lower offer. Gwreck Feb 27 2009 08:01 AM I'm rooting for the Dodgers here. From all accounts, they've offered fantastic offers, none of which Ramirez has accepted. I think their next public statement is to suggest that while they clearly want him on their team, he doesn't want to be there -- that they'll keep their offer open but need to prepare for the upcoming season and can't be bothered with a distraction like this. Benjamin Grimm Feb 27 2009 08:06 AM I guess the Dodgers figured they could get Manny for "only" $25 million now that spring training has started and Manny is still out of work. I guess they were wrong. What team does Boras figure will give him a better offer than that? Centerfield Feb 27 2009 08:09 AM It's a weird situation. Manny obviously needs the Dodgers, but Boras must know that the Dodgers need him too. Dunn, Abreu, Ibanez and Burrell are already with other teams. Nice time for Omar to swoop in and steal him. Frayed Knot Feb 27 2009 09:56 AM ="Centerfield":33hc15pz]Nice time for Omar to swoop in and steal him.[/quote:33hc15pz] But for what? If the key to snagging Manny is to offer him a 3rd year guaranteed I don't want to do that (and I'm positive the Mets don't either). metirish Feb 27 2009 10:01 AM ="Gwreck"]I'm rooting for the Dodgers here. From all accounts, they've offered fantastic offers, none of which Ramirez has accepted. I think their next public statement is to suggest that while they clearly want him on their team, he doesn't want to be there -- that they'll keep their offer open but need to prepare for the upcoming season and can't be bothered with a distraction like this. ] "We love Manny Ramirez," Dodgers owner Frank McCourt said, "and we want Manny back, but we feel we are negotiating against ourselves. When his agent finds those 'serious offers' from other clubs, we'll be happy to re-start the negotiations." Fman99 Feb 27 2009 10:01 AM I wonder if Ollie would've been doing the same thing had the Mets not upped from 3/30 to 3/36. DocTee Feb 27 2009 10:05 AM My guess: the Giants swoop in and deflate their division rivals and wrap up the West before the season begins. They have had a very nice offseason already and this would be the perfect way to wrap it up. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 27 2009 10:17 AM Perhaps he could make this a year of service: like Kane in "Kung Fu" (or Jules at the end of "Pulp Fiction," or Ricky Williams post-marijuana suspension), he could wander the earth, stopping wherever the wind blew him, or a scary right-handed bat could help make the world a better, clutchier place. Or, since Boras is involved, maybe a "Have Dreads, Will Travel" scenario? (If only this were the NBA, land of 10-day contracts.) 'Cause, you know, I don't think there's an f-ing way the Dodgers are ponying up significantly more than 25 mil a year. Nymr83 Feb 27 2009 12:17 PM hold firm, Dodgers. It is almost March 1st, I doubt there are many/any other teams out there who still have $25 mil left in ther budget for this year, much less the desire to commit multiple years in this economy to a player known to whine his way out of town when he gets unhappy. He'll end up a Dodger, and likely at the price they've offered, give or take a small amount so BorASS can save face. Centerfield Feb 27 2009 12:47 PM ="Frayed Knot":32cq35mr]="Centerfield":32cq35mr]Nice time for Omar to swoop in and steal him.[/quote:32cq35mr] But for what? If the key to snagging Manny is to offer him a 3rd year guaranteed I don't want to do that (and I'm positive the Mets don't either).[/quote:32cq35mr] Match the offer. It would offer them a way to save face by taking the same terms and claiming "We wanted to be in New York all along." Nymr83 Feb 27 2009 03:20 PM I would worry that matching the offer lets Boras/Ramirez use he Mets offer as leverage against LA with no actual intention of coming here. I wouldn't make the offer unless I thought it was going to be accepted, and even then I'd say to Boras (perhaps not publicly) that its a take it or leave it offer, we are under no circumstances going higher or dragging this out Vic Sage Mar 02 2009 08:58 AM there is no offer to match. LA pulled their latest "off the table" and are now insisting on dealing from scratch. I'm loving this. Rockin' Doc Mar 02 2009 09:05 AM This is turning into an interesting game of chicken. Both sides need the other, but neither wants to give in. I don't blame the Dodgers for not wishing to bid against themselves. I hope the Dodgers hold firm against Manny and Boras. Let Manny see how he likes watching from the sidelines with Bonds. If there is no contract, then there is no windfall pay day for Boras, so I still expect the two sides will eventually come to an agreement. Benjamin Grimm Mar 02 2009 09:09 AM I'd love it if Manny ended up as a Long Island Duck this year. Not that I give a rat's ass about the Ducks, but because of the big dose of humility that would come with it. I don't expect that to happen, of course, but I also have no idea what will happen. Probably some other team (other than the Dodgers or Mets, that is) will end up signing Manny to a one-year deal, perhaps for less than $20 million. Frayed Knot Mar 02 2009 09:12 AM Reading some crawl this morning (forget where) Boras is claiming that the Dodgers have not responded to team-Manny's last three proposals. Not sure if those were actual proposals or just something that exists in Scott's head. Nymr83 Mar 02 2009 01:31 PM My guess would be it was Borass repeating his original offer from November 3 more times. I am really rooting for Manny to be playing outside MLB right now. I wonder if anyone in Japan wants him? LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 02 2009 01:52 PM RE: Manny in Japan "Mann-u being Mann-u?" would make a FANTASTIC midwinter-doldrums video rental. Edgy DC Mar 04 2009 05:58 AM Reports have an agreement in principle of two years, $45 million with the Dodgers. Benjamin Grimm Mar 04 2009 07:32 AM Which is basically the offer that Manny rejected and that the Dodgers pulled off the table! metirish Mar 04 2009 08:13 AM New reports have different money angle Scott Boras Able To Get Manny Ramirez $20 Billion In Economic Stimulus Money ] WASHINGTON�After a series of closed-door talks, Scott Boras, the agent known for representing the highest-paid players in baseball, set another record for the game's largest contract when he finalized Manny Ramirez's $20 billion agreement with the United States federal government on Thursday. "Manny's .396 batting average last season with the Dodgers, as well as his playoff performance, proved that he is as important to this country as infrastructure projects, health care, and renewable energy development," Boras said during an interview, adding that Ramirez is especially satisfied with the indefinite length of the contract. "He's promised to cut 47 hours of antics this year and to make necessary attitude adjustments in order to remain solvent. Any criticism Manny receives for this contract is simply what comes with getting a huge amount of money from the government during a time of crisis." A clause in the contract states Ramirez could receive an additional $6 billion if he successfully saves the American auto industry. The Onion Frayed Knot Mar 04 2009 08:28 AM ="Benjamin Grimm"]Which is basically the offer that Manny rejected and that the Dodgers pulled off the table! All the back-and-forth has apparently been over different versions of the same 2@$45 deal. - One had the 2nd year at a club option - another put the option in Manny's court but deferred some of the cash - and the Manny/Boras camp has supposedly been making couter-offers although no one seems to know what they are. Then, of course, there are all those offers from the mystery teams to consider. seawolf17 Mar 04 2009 08:54 AM ="Frayed Knot"]Then, of course, there are all those offers from the mystery teams to consider. "I'm just saying we were in the mix." Edgy DC Mar 04 2009 08:57 AM Buddy looks a little more like an aging mob accountant every year. metirish Mar 04 2009 09:04 AM ="Edgy DC":wpmn8dqi]Buddy looks a little more like an aging mob accountant every year.[/quote:wpmn8dqi] True , he's got a bit of "Paulie Walnuts" in him.

="Edgy DC":ig70jsak]Why do clowns like him and Kornheiser keep getting hired?[/quote:ig70jsak] We're hoping that was a rhetorical question. There's no reasonable answer. Later Edgy DC Jan 03 2009 12:03 PM See, I think there is. I think somebody up there thinks contemptuous louts make for better television --- particularly sports programming. The thinking is that sports fans like to feel superior, so sports guys with an air of superority show them the way. I don't know truly what the chicken or the egg is, though. Do snottier sportscasters and sportswriters lead to snottier fans, or vice versa? Side question: You get to knock one of these guys in his smug puss. Which do you choose, in order? Frayed Knot Jan 03 2009 01:05 PM ="Edgy DC":1g5o7698]Why do clowns like him and Kornheiser keep getting hired?[/quote:1g5o7698] In Heyman's case it's largely due to the fact that ESPN has not only hired a bevy of baseball journos (Gammons, Kurkjian, Stark, Olney) to staff their shows, but also holds them to an exclusivity arrangement where they're not permitted to chat on other outlets. So a joint like WFAN, looking to have a go-to guy for non-NYC-centric info, hires L.I. native Heyman shortly after he becomes SI.com's man on the national beat. Likewise the new MLBN, now a competitor of sorts to ESPN's BB2N and their stable of nationally known untouchables, is tapping both him and fellow SI-er (as well as Newsday alum) Tom Verducci as their news diggers. And if it's just Heyman you have a problem with -- well, he often is in on the ground floor of a number of stories which is essentially what these outlets want in this insta-info era. MFS62 Jan 03 2009 01:18 PM ="Edgy DC":aq2vii7c]Side question: You get to knock one of these guys in his smug puss. Which do you choose, in order? [/quote:aq2vii7c] I'd start at the left. Take out the big guy and the others will probably run anyhow. Why else? Because of the uni he's wearing. Later Edgy DC Jan 03 2009 01:19 PM No, I clearly have a problem with clowns. metsguyinmichigan Jan 03 2009 01:37 PM Dibble. Then I'd just keep hitting him while the other three run away. Yes, he deserves it that much. Fman99 Jan 03 2009 01:50 PM You start with the littlest white guy. Duh. Frayed Knot Jan 03 2009 03:18 PM Even if you don't like him, a reporter like Heyman can't possibly be lumped in with the 'ain't we naughty' jock-sniffers and frat boys from a piece of gossipy trash like 'Best Damn Sports Show'. metirish Jan 03 2009 03:24 PM Does Heyman still keep his SNY gig? I see he is listed on sny.tv as SNY's Sports News Team. Frayed Knot Jan 04 2009 07:37 AM Yes, Heyman will be SNY's journo-for-hire as well. Also, Newsday media writer Neil Best suggests in today's column that, "Barack Obama will name Jon Heyman the official Sports Journalist of America, allowing cash-strapped media companies to avoid employing anyone else" Frayed Knot Feb 27 2009 07:41 AM Manny rejects latest Dodger offer. Essentially it was the same 2/$45 deal he scoffed at before except this one put the 2nd year option in the player's hands rather than the club's. This way, iffin' he had a good year, he was free to fly the coop and search for a new deal maybe in a better economy ... but NOOOOOoooooo! If I'm the Dodgers now I counter with a lower offer. Gwreck Feb 27 2009 08:01 AM I'm rooting for the Dodgers here. From all accounts, they've offered fantastic offers, none of which Ramirez has accepted. I think their next public statement is to suggest that while they clearly want him on their team, he doesn't want to be there -- that they'll keep their offer open but need to prepare for the upcoming season and can't be bothered with a distraction like this. Benjamin Grimm Feb 27 2009 08:06 AM I guess the Dodgers figured they could get Manny for "only" $25 million now that spring training has started and Manny is still out of work. I guess they were wrong. What team does Boras figure will give him a better offer than that? Centerfield Feb 27 2009 08:09 AM It's a weird situation. Manny obviously needs the Dodgers, but Boras must know that the Dodgers need him too. Dunn, Abreu, Ibanez and Burrell are already with other teams. Nice time for Omar to swoop in and steal him. Frayed Knot Feb 27 2009 09:56 AM ="Centerfield":33hc15pz]Nice time for Omar to swoop in and steal him.[/quote:33hc15pz] But for what? If the key to snagging Manny is to offer him a 3rd year guaranteed I don't want to do that (and I'm positive the Mets don't either). metirish Feb 27 2009 10:01 AM ="Gwreck"]I'm rooting for the Dodgers here. From all accounts, they've offered fantastic offers, none of which Ramirez has accepted. I think their next public statement is to suggest that while they clearly want him on their team, he doesn't want to be there -- that they'll keep their offer open but need to prepare for the upcoming season and can't be bothered with a distraction like this. ] "We love Manny Ramirez," Dodgers owner Frank McCourt said, "and we want Manny back, but we feel we are negotiating against ourselves. When his agent finds those 'serious offers' from other clubs, we'll be happy to re-start the negotiations." Fman99 Feb 27 2009 10:01 AM I wonder if Ollie would've been doing the same thing had the Mets not upped from 3/30 to 3/36. DocTee Feb 27 2009 10:05 AM My guess: the Giants swoop in and deflate their division rivals and wrap up the West before the season begins. They have had a very nice offseason already and this would be the perfect way to wrap it up. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 27 2009 10:17 AM Perhaps he could make this a year of service: like Kane in "Kung Fu" (or Jules at the end of "Pulp Fiction," or Ricky Williams post-marijuana suspension), he could wander the earth, stopping wherever the wind blew him, or a scary right-handed bat could help make the world a better, clutchier place. Or, since Boras is involved, maybe a "Have Dreads, Will Travel" scenario? (If only this were the NBA, land of 10-day contracts.) 'Cause, you know, I don't think there's an f-ing way the Dodgers are ponying up significantly more than 25 mil a year. Nymr83 Feb 27 2009 12:17 PM hold firm, Dodgers. It is almost March 1st, I doubt there are many/any other teams out there who still have $25 mil left in ther budget for this year, much less the desire to commit multiple years in this economy to a player known to whine his way out of town when he gets unhappy. He'll end up a Dodger, and likely at the price they've offered, give or take a small amount so BorASS can save face. Centerfield Feb 27 2009 12:47 PM ="Frayed Knot":32cq35mr]="Centerfield":32cq35mr]Nice time for Omar to swoop in and steal him.[/quote:32cq35mr] But for what? If the key to snagging Manny is to offer him a 3rd year guaranteed I don't want to do that (and I'm positive the Mets don't either).[/quote:32cq35mr] Match the offer. It would offer them a way to save face by taking the same terms and claiming "We wanted to be in New York all along." Nymr83 Feb 27 2009 03:20 PM I would worry that matching the offer lets Boras/Ramirez use he Mets offer as leverage against LA with no actual intention of coming here. I wouldn't make the offer unless I thought it was going to be accepted, and even then I'd say to Boras (perhaps not publicly) that its a take it or leave it offer, we are under no circumstances going higher or dragging this out Vic Sage Mar 02 2009 08:58 AM there is no offer to match. LA pulled their latest "off the table" and are now insisting on dealing from scratch. I'm loving this. Rockin' Doc Mar 02 2009 09:05 AM This is turning into an interesting game of chicken. Both sides need the other, but neither wants to give in. I don't blame the Dodgers for not wishing to bid against themselves. I hope the Dodgers hold firm against Manny and Boras. Let Manny see how he likes watching from the sidelines with Bonds. If there is no contract, then there is no windfall pay day for Boras, so I still expect the two sides will eventually come to an agreement. Benjamin Grimm Mar 02 2009 09:09 AM I'd love it if Manny ended up as a Long Island Duck this year. Not that I give a rat's ass about the Ducks, but because of the big dose of humility that would come with it. I don't expect that to happen, of course, but I also have no idea what will happen. Probably some other team (other than the Dodgers or Mets, that is) will end up signing Manny to a one-year deal, perhaps for less than $20 million. Frayed Knot Mar 02 2009 09:12 AM Reading some crawl this morning (forget where) Boras is claiming that the Dodgers have not responded to team-Manny's last three proposals. Not sure if those were actual proposals or just something that exists in Scott's head. Nymr83 Mar 02 2009 01:31 PM My guess would be it was Borass repeating his original offer from November 3 more times. I am really rooting for Manny to be playing outside MLB right now. I wonder if anyone in Japan wants him? LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 02 2009 01:52 PM RE: Manny in Japan "Mann-u being Mann-u?" would make a FANTASTIC midwinter-doldrums video rental. Edgy DC Mar 04 2009 05:58 AM Reports have an agreement in principle of two years, $45 million with the Dodgers. Benjamin Grimm Mar 04 2009 07:32 AM Which is basically the offer that Manny rejected and that the Dodgers pulled off the table! metirish Mar 04 2009 08:13 AM New reports have different money angle Scott Boras Able To Get Manny Ramirez $20 Billion In Economic Stimulus Money ] WASHINGTON�After a series of closed-door talks, Scott Boras, the agent known for representing the highest-paid players in baseball, set another record for the game's largest contract when he finalized Manny Ramirez's $20 billion agreement with the United States federal government on Thursday. "Manny's .396 batting average last season with the Dodgers, as well as his playoff performance, proved that he is as important to this country as infrastructure projects, health care, and renewable energy development," Boras said during an interview, adding that Ramirez is especially satisfied with the indefinite length of the contract. "He's promised to cut 47 hours of antics this year and to make necessary attitude adjustments in order to remain solvent. Any criticism Manny receives for this contract is simply what comes with getting a huge amount of money from the government during a time of crisis." A clause in the contract states Ramirez could receive an additional $6 billion if he successfully saves the American auto industry. The Onion Frayed Knot Mar 04 2009 08:28 AM ="Benjamin Grimm"]Which is basically the offer that Manny rejected and that the Dodgers pulled off the table! All the back-and-forth has apparently been over different versions of the same 2@$45 deal. - One had the 2nd year at a club option - another put the option in Manny's court but deferred some of the cash - and the Manny/Boras camp has supposedly been making couter-offers although no one seems to know what they are. Then, of course, there are all those offers from the mystery teams to consider. seawolf17 Mar 04 2009 08:54 AM ="Frayed Knot"]Then, of course, there are all those offers from the mystery teams to consider. "I'm just saying we were in the mix." Edgy DC Mar 04 2009 08:57 AM Buddy looks a little more like an aging mob accountant every year. metirish Mar 04 2009 09:04 AM ="Edgy DC":wpmn8dqi]Buddy looks a little more like an aging mob accountant every year.[/quote:wpmn8dqi] True , he's got a bit of "Paulie Walnuts" in him.

There would be one way to see if Carlos meant it or not - if he finishes the 2009 season with 30 home runs, giving him 499 for his career - and he doesn't come back to try to get number 500. Then we would see where he falls on the scale that goes left-to-right from "I have my principles" to "How much you payin' me?" I'd bet he is on the left side of that scale. Later

Now we're going to find out if Omar has friends in Lowe places. Later

I'm probably the last person to support Clemens. But that's not right. I mean, he was involved in "sports medicine", ... sorta'. Later

="Edgy DC"]Goofy franchise, goofy year, 2009. Is this a case of deja vu all over again? Later

That's my boy! (See prospects forum) Thanks for posting that. Later

According to a report on WFAN (or was it ESPN radio?) tonight, the Mets are one of three teams still negotiating for Lowe. Later

When I heard the Mets had obtained a catcher named Molina, I had to listen carefully to WFAN to find out which one. Then I heard ...... Later