Frayed Knot

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.

Good find #6 This part kills me: Q: On whether they Sox will sign Varitek, a Boras client: Gammons: Well, if he calls and says, 'I'll sign at $2 million,' they might do it. ... How Scott Boras looked him in the eye and said, 'By the way, I turned down $10 million [in arbitration],' is beyond me. [Varitek] would have made a minimum of $10 million, maybe $11 million. And there are a bunch of guys like that -- Jon Garland, Orlando Cabrera. There are a bunch of guys who are not even going to come close to what they made in arbitration. Q: On whether Varitek wanted to accept arbitration and Boras steered him a different way: Gammons: I don't know. I know the players' association was strongly advising agents not to take arbitration. They felt that teams were trying to control players for one year at a lesser amount than they'd have to pay down the line. But again, if you're Jon Garland or Ben Sheets or Orlando Cabrera or Jason Varitek, it cost you a lot of money. FK: The MLBPA seems to have this attitude that they won't give in to the owners even in those cases where it hurts their members. HAH! They can't control us. Just watch, we'll have our players take 80% pay cuts just to show them they can't control us!!! Yeah, you showed 'em all right.

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.

="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.

="Rockin' Doc"]Knot -"And you just know it's only a matter of time until the Jeter-worshipping generation starts to invade." Too late. The media and most Yankee fans already laud Capt. Intangibles as the greatest shortstop in baseball. He's only the third best shortstop in New York. What I meant was until the get the next generation of FAs start inking multi-million dollar deals with the pinstripers and citing their life-long NYY fandom as the reason, one which dates back to the Jeter posters they had on their walls as young kids. I think the younger Upton brother has already fessed up to being a Jeets fan growing up. We already know that MFY fans and the media have long been in the tank. Personally, I think the real players don't even show up to these 'grip-n-grins' but rather they get a Stepford-like robot to substitute. Y'ever notice how they all not only say the same thing but do it in the same programmed monotone? ... I al-ways want-ed to be a Yan-kee, ev-er since I was a lit-tle boy when my dad-dy told me stor-ies about see-ing [insert Dimag, Mantle, Muson, Mattingly - depending on age]. I wore my Yan-kee hat to school all the time even though my home-town of Bum-fuck [insert state] were all [fill in blank] fans.

The 'I wuv Mattingly' generation is now replacing the earlier hordes of Mantle wannabes in the 'why I always wanted to be a Yanqui' stories at these things. And you just know it's only a matter of time until the Jeter-worshipping generation starts to invade.

The look is pure pinstripes And, guess what? Teixeira (say it with me people) always wanted to be a Yanqui!!! These dog & pony shows are always silly to begin with - but nobody takes them more seriously than the Yanx. My only surprise is that this reception didn't dwarf the one Barack's going to get in DC in a few weeks.

Caught a radio spot with Gammons -- who was saying that, now with the internet being the main source of info these days, "several outlets" have essentially become [u:21mnwbyh]ScottBoras.com[/u:21mnwbyh], a place where the agent can get his message out whether it's actual info or not. He didn't mention Heyman (or anyone else for that matter) by name, but it also was NOT an ESPN appearance so it didn't give the feeling of being a 'all you lesser sites suck' rant either. He then went on to call one of the Brewer front office folks (forget which) "my personal hero" for running down a list of just about every Boras client and saying; "nope", "haven't talked with them", "not him", "not him either", etc., etc. simply because he was sick of hearing/reading public reports that had his team in talks with just about every client Scotty has. Lowe was mentioned as one of those guys who the Brew exec claims they're not talking to.

From the; 'How the (somewhat) mighty have fallen' department: 2B Marcus Giles signs a minor league deal with Philly

'Notoriety' has got to be up there with 'irony' and perhaps 'infamous' as the most frequently misused words by TV news talkers.

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

Will Carroll from BP: http://www.baseballprospectus.com/unfiltered/?p=1141 J.C. Romero was suspended for fifty games under terms of MLB�s drug policy. Just before it was handed down, Romero made his case public, the same one that the arbitrator rejected. With the NFL�s drug policy currently under attack in the Starcaps case, where six players took a supplement that was tainted with a diuretic but unknown to the players, this type of defense might hold water. Until you learn what Romero tested positive for. According to multiple sources, Romero tested positive for 6-OXO Extreme, a product that enhances testosterone production in ways very similar to anabolic steroids. While legal and still available at your local GNC, 6-OXO Extreme* has always carried a warning that it could result in positive tests. If you look at the above link, you�ll be able to find the same warning in the online information. But it gets better, or worse, if you�re Romero. 6-OXO is a product of Ergopharm. Ergopharm is owned and operated by a guy you might remember: Patrick Arnold. Yes, that one. Arnold was the source for the THG used by BALCO. Arnold served several months in jail due to his involvement and is now back in business. If Romero didn�t know what he was taking, he sure got unlucky in picking the product marked �for hardcore users only� and with a connection that baseball fans would rather forget.

="duan"]... Olympic athletes get pretty much EVERY SINGLE THING they put into their mouths approved by their federation's doctors. That's the way baseball players should think by default. And they'll likely get to that point, only now they're still a bit new at this. As is, apparently, their union. It sounds like Romero at least tried to do things the right way. I'd fight it if I were him too, although ultimately he may not have enough to stand on.

Burrell's cheaper than expected price might mean that the BP piece I quoted from Will Caroll a week or so back is accurate. That's the one where he said (and also quoted Gammons as saying) that teams are crunching numbers in an attempt at taking a closer look a defense and calculating how much a bad glove negate whatever offense he gives you. Plus we wouldn't have the luxury of DHing Burrell - something the Rays apparently intend on doing full time. Meanwhile, Milton Bradley w/the Cubs for 3 years could be a risky move seeing as how he can't really play the field, at least not on an everyday basis (from what I read) not to mention his, ummm, shall we say interesting personality.

I suppose another option is that this age isn't really his age -- something that would explain the outliers on both sides of his career bracket.

="attgig":5u43a8xd]what would it take to sign sheets? ... If they can do 2 years at 12 per, and a vesting option for 3rd based on innings.... i think i'd go for it. get insurance for the 2 years to offset costs in case he gets hurt.[/quote:5u43a8xd] I don't think you'd want to go higher than 2 guaranteed. 2+ an option is a possible strategy. As far as insurance, the problem is that it might cost you almost as much money as the contract is worth ... and that's assuming anyone is willing to sell it to you. Centerfield Jan 05 2009 01:41 PM If we don't do it, we should at least start some rumors to light a fire under Derek Lowe's ass. I heard the Mets offered Sheets 2 years, $24 million. Ok Steve, go quote me on other boards. Ashie62 Jan 05 2009 02:41 PM Re: Ben Sheets ="Centerfield":z7b9sd1t]Why not? Is it any more risky than a 4 year deal to a 36 year-old who has been good, but never great?[/quote:z7b9sd1t] I prefer Lowe..he has been an innings eater with a low comp..Last 2 years with 147 K's each and 47 & 55 BB'ish. That ain't bad. Nice to see a pitcher that consistently throws strikes. I'll take Sheets over Oliver Perez on more plus stuff and a tiredness of living on the Edge with Oliver. And God please..no Randy Wolf...The second coming of Shawn Estes Fman99 Jan 06 2009 08:43 PM ="Centerfield":2ldc2kiv]If we don't do it, we should at least start some rumors to light a fire under Derek Lowe's ass. I heard the Mets offered Sheets 2 years, $24 million. Ok Steve, go quote me on other boards.[/quote:2ldc2kiv] Oh, so this is where you heard it. Fuck. I need to read more threads. SteveJRogers Jan 06 2009 09:39 PM ="Centerfield"]If we don't do it, we should at least start some rumors to light a fire under Derek Lowe's ass. I heard the Mets offered Sheets 2 years, $24 million. Ok Steve, go quote me on other boards. Only if it came from FK. Cause then it would be from Left Field! Yeah, I'll supply my own crickets Centerfield Jan 13 2009 09:53 AM So back to Sheets. I wish we could find out why teams are so hesitant to go down this road. I mean, it's one thing if the guy is an injury risk. It's another if the guy is injured. A Boy Named Seo Jan 13 2009 11:21 AM ="Centerfield":2li7lw9t] I mean, it's one thing if the guy is an injury risk. It's another if the guy is injured.[/quote:2li7lw9t] I think peeps don't really know. Last anyone saw of him, he was walking off a mound in September with a hurt arm. If we wrangle Ollie back, and even with Redding in the fold (he could slide to the pen), I'd throw like a 1 year/$5 guaranteed deal Sheets' way like $8 million bucks worth of bonus carrots attached, including a vesting 2nd year if his arm doesn't explode and he pitches like 185 innings or something. Eh? When he's on a mound, he's pretty awesome. smg58 Jan 13 2009 11:36 AM I think it's worth pointing out that Sheets threw 198 IP last year while Perez threw 194. Plus, signing Perez would keep us from getting back our first round pick in addition to another sandwich pick. Centerfield Jan 13 2009 12:23 PM Isn't a player's current injury something you could check? Isn't that why you get medicals and ask your doctors to check him out? MFS62 Jan 13 2009 12:28 PM IIRC, Sheets' late season injury was "stiffness in the forearm". I'm not sure how the cause of that can be diagnosed. Later Frayed Knot Jan 13 2009 12:53 PM Might be instructive to note that the hardly-hard-up-for-bucks BoSox opted for fliers on Smoltz (who may not even be ready when the season starts) and Penny (also coming off an injury) while not even offering a sniff in the direction of Sheets. MFS62 Jan 13 2009 01:36 PM I'd scan Sheets' arm with every test known to mankind until it glows in the dark. And if nothing bad shows up, sign him. Later Number 6 Jan 13 2009 01:36 PM I've always thought the Brewers rode Sheets a bit too hard. He was second in the league with 5 complete games last season, and threw over 100 pitches in more than half of his starts. While that may not be troubling for an average pitcher, he probably shouldn't be treated like one given his injury history. I'm no medical expert, but it may be possible for his new team to get more out of him by instituting a more rigid pitch/inning limit. mario25 Jan 13 2009 02:07 PM I say at least bring him in and check it out. Omar is in love with Perez but he is all arm/no head. attgig Jan 13 2009 02:38 PM I want sheets. I just have no clue what it would take to sign him. metirish Jan 13 2009 02:40 PM From the Boston Globe yesterday... Ben Sheets, free agent pitcher: We're hearing more and more that a team like the Braves or Rangers could pony up a couple of years on a contract that would land the oft-injured righthander. At this stage of free agency, he seems like big-time quality for a price that has surely come down. "I think as the weeks go on, more and more teams are going to take a good, hard look at him," said a National League manager. "Given his history, he's just not going to get a big deal, and the realization might be sinking in that he and his agents know it. Things changed today I would think with the Braves. Centerfield Jan 16 2009 07:34 PM We have a Ben Sheets sighting: Martinez also remains on the Mets' radar, as does free-agent righty Ben Sheets, pending a review of his medical records. This according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports. Go get Sheets! Frayed Knot Jan 17 2009 08:02 AM ]I prefer Lowe..he has been an innings eater with a low comp..Last 2 years with 147 K's each and 47 & 55 BB'ish. That ain't bad. Nice to see a pitcher that consistently throws strikes. If it's strike throwing you want Sheets is among the best bets around: a 380/95 (K/BB) ratio over the last 3 seasons. As far as a contract, it seems to me that certain players should look around at the current economic situation and think that a short-term deal might be in their interest too. Especially reasonably young guys (31 next July) like Sheets coming off injuries. Take a 2-yr deal (or maybe even one) to prove you're healthy and have the chance to go back on the market when conditions (at least theoretically) are more player friendly. At this point I'm not sure holding out for a 3rd or 4th year is really in his interest. MFS62 Jan 17 2009 10:49 AM Someone told me that they had heard a few days ago that the Mets offered Sheets a 1 year $6 million guaranteed contract. He had no other details about incentives, options, etc. Anyone else hear that? If so, what was the source? Later Benjamin Grimm Jan 17 2009 06:56 PM ="David Lennon in Newsday":24839p42]For his part, Minaya has played it cool, suggesting that he has other options if Perez falls through. Two of the most intriguing names still available are Ben Sheets and Andy Pettitte, with the Mets only recently showing interest in the former Brewers ace. A person familiar with the situation said yesterday that Sheets is now being discussed, but it's unclear what the parameters of such a deal would be.[/quote:24839p42] Edgy DC Jan 17 2009 07:33 PM I think he probably has a few fingers in the trade market. Fman99 Jan 18 2009 02:10 PM This rumor is picking up steam. MLB.com[/url:las1k666] now quoting Newsday's story. I like. Frayed Knot Jan 18 2009 06:30 PM Of course that doesn't mean the talks are picking up, only that news outlets are citing each other as sources. Meanwhile, Pedro seems to be talking to Pittsburgh. Kong76 Jan 18 2009 06:40 PM The thought of Pedro riding into the sunset in Pittsburgh makes me laugh out loud. Not lol, laugh out loud. Retire, or sign with the Mets or Sawx in some kind of limited role. metsguyinmichigan Jan 18 2009 11:16 PM Is this Sheet AND Ollie or Sheets OR Ollie? Assuming we're going after Ollie, too. If we were relying on Sheets to be "the man," I'd be against it. But basically we're filling out our rotation, with a number of other options. Johan, Pelfrey, Sheets, Ollie and Maine with Redding and Neise in the wings is a pretty damn good rotation. MFS62 Jan 19 2009 04:46 AM ="Kong76":23f3gaue]The thought of Pedro riding into the sunset in Pittsburgh makes me laugh out loud. Not lol, laugh out loud. [/quote:23f3gaue] A great player ending his career in Pitsburgh isn't that bad. He'd be in pretty good company with Hank Greenberg. Later Frayed Knot Jan 19 2009 06:15 AM ="metsguyinmichigan":va8fttx0]Is this Sheet AND Ollie or Sheets OR Ollie?[/quote:va8fttx0] I suspect one or the other but not both. Rockin' Doc Jan 19 2009 06:43 AM From what I have read in most reports, Perez is the Mets first choice now that Lowe is in Atlanta. Sheets, Wolf, Garland, etc. are potential back up plans should Perez (and Boras) play hard to get. Personally, I think I would prefer to have Sheets. Perez has a tremendous arm and great stuff, but he often leaves me wondering where his head is at. Benjamin Grimm Jan 19 2009 06:51 AM I too would prefer Sheets. Even if he misses time with an injury, we'll probably get as many good starts from Sheets as from Perez, and fewer bad starts. Vince Coleman Firecracker Jan 19 2009 10:06 AM I would rather 150 innings of Sheets and 50 of Niese than 200 of Perez, and 100/100 of those two might still be more useful than a full season of Ollie. Centerfield Jan 20 2009 08:18 AM Lots more sources picking up on the Mets interest in Sheets. Tom Verducci was talking about it on the MLB Network, there's a piece in the Daily News this morning. The more I think about it, they really have to pull the trigger on Sheets. It is the only way they can significantly improve the rotation from last year. And they need to improve the pitching if they're not going to do anything about the lineup. TransMonk Jan 20 2009 09:18 AM I'm not a big fan of Sheets...his upsides and downsides are terribly drastic. That being said, he probably has the best potential upside available for next season. His eldest son is named after Tom Seaver. That's gotta be worth something I guess. DocTee Jan 24 2009 09:57 AM According to Buster Olney, Texas mulling a two-year, $16M offer to Ben. http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/story/1162289.html That's a steal, considering: "Over the last five seasons, the 30-year-old Sheets has an ERA of 3.24; his ERA has never been higher than 3.82 in any season, and was as low as 2.70 in 2004. His strikeout-to-walk ratio has never been worse than 2.87 to 1. Hitters have never had an OPS against him, in any season, higher than .705. In 2008, Sheets made 31 starts, threw 198 1/3 innings, posted an ERA of 3.09 while pitching in Milwaukee's bandbox, held opposing hitters to a .390 slugging percentage, started for the National League in the All-Star Game, struck out 158 while walking just 47..." metsmarathon Jan 24 2009 10:32 AM grr... Frayed Knot Jan 24 2009 11:14 AM Sheets lives in Texas which may give them the inside track there. Be nice if Omar were to match that offer and convince Big Ben that staying in the NL and staying out of that hitters' haven with the daily 90+ degree heat will be better for him in the long run. Then tell Boras that he can review that offer plus this newest one we supposedly made to Ollie and tell him first one to say yes gets the job. Nymr83 Jan 24 2009 12:16 PM ]According to Buster Olney, Texas mulling a two-year, $16M offer to Ben sounds cheap, offer him a 3rd year at the same price Omar! metsmarathon Jan 24 2009 12:57 PM uh, i'd go 2x9 before i went 3x8. but i'd be happy to include a vesting option for the third. Rockin' Doc Jan 24 2009 01:33 PM I like marathon's plan. Sheets has tremendous talent, but given his injury history I don't want to see the Mets guarantee more than two years to him. Centerfield Jan 24 2009 08:25 PM Come on Omar. At least make a fucking offer. Fman99 Jan 24 2009 08:39 PM ="Centerfield":3glgv0y9]Come on Omar. At least make a fucking offer.[/quote:3glgv0y9] Do something. Jeez, pitchers and catchers report in what, 3 weeks? metirish Jan 24 2009 08:44 PM Watch the MFY's come in a sign him. Frayed Knot Jan 25 2009 06:34 PM Just a few warning signs via the Ft Worth Star-Telegram: Lingering concerns over the status of Ben Sheets� right elbow could ultimately prevent the Texas Rangers from signing the free-agent All-Star pitcher to an incentive-laden contract. The Rangers have examined Sheets� medical reports, but sources said the club wants the most recent information on his torn flexor tendon. It�s an injury the Rangers know too well. Jason Jennings lasted only six starts last season before suffering a second torn flexor tendon in nine months. In both instances � August 2007 and May 2008 � Jennings had surgery. Sheets� tear did not require surgery, and he has resumed his normal preseason throwing program. He threw twice last week at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. However, the Highland Park resident has not undergone a physical and would have to pass one performed by Rangers doctors before a deal could be completed. The likelihood that an agreement will be reached by Monday, if at all this week, is waning. Centerfield Jan 26 2009 10:16 AM Is a torn flexor tendon what knocked out Wagner? The article doesn't make it clear whether the Rangers are concerned because he had a torn flexor tendon, or whether they feel he still has a torn flexor tendon. Edgy DC Jan 26 2009 10:26 AM I'm a fan of Ben Sheets and want the Mets in the mix, but I think the fans are being too hard here on poor ol' Omar. 1) Yeah, Sheets numbers from last year make him look pretty healthy, but that's because his injury took place at the end of the season, after he logged those numbers, but it shut him down for the playoffs. And the nature of an injury at the end of your season and your contract means that nobody knows the extent of the damage or what they're getting until you take the mound somewhere and log some time. 2) Isn't Omar getting somewhat hammered for the lost gamble he took on Moises Alou? If you pressure your GM to roll the dice, be a little more forgiving when he craps out once in a while. A Texas Ranger blogger takes a close look at this injury history here: http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/01/the-ben-sheets-medical-file.html Maybe Sheets and Nolan can talk blister cures. batmagadanleadoff Jan 26 2009 10:53 AM ="Centerfield":11j9ihkf]Is a torn flexor tendon what knocked out Wagner? The article doesn't make it clear whether the Rangers are concerned because he had a torn flexor tendon, or whether they feel he still has a torn flexor tendon.[/quote:11j9ihkf] Flexor Shmexor. I'm worried that Johan Santana might've sustained some permanent and irreversible diminishment of his abilities as a result of the surgery to repair his torn left meniscus. I realize that his injury is considered minor but still, it's Johan's rear pitching leg. On the other hand, no one else seems to be making a big deal about the surgery. And Santana did pitch his best game of last season while injured. So maybe there's not much to this. Frayed Knot Jan 26 2009 10:58 AM ="Centerfield":11erg5gp]Is a torn flexor tendon what knocked out Wagner? The article doesn't make it clear whether the Rangers are concerned because he had a torn flexor tendon, or whether they feel he still has a torn flexor tendon.[/quote:11erg5gp] Wagner's was a ligament tear. That's what TJ surgery is needed to fix. Sheets' flexor tendon tear did not have surgery - probably meaning it isn't thought to be severe enough and he can still pitch with it while it heals or remains strong enough on its own. Maybe it can but that's a risk whoever signs him is going to need to consider. Edgy DC Jan 26 2009 11:17 AM He may want to pull an Astacio and do some showcase pitching in the Caribbean. smg58 Feb 05 2009 11:56 AM [url:2ctckaya]http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090205&content_id=3801488&vkey=hotstove2008&fext=.jsp[/url:2ctckaya] The poor guy just can't buy a break. Nymr83 Feb 05 2009 12:47 PM sounds like a good time to sign him for cheap and hope he can help out in the second half or even for 2010 seawolf17 Feb 05 2009 01:36 PM ="Nymr83":3bzpskk2]sounds like a good time to sign him for cheap and hope he can help out in the second half or even for 2010[/quote:3bzpskk2] Bingo! Two-year, backloaded deal. Didn't the Yankees do that with Jon Lieber? Frayed Knot Feb 05 2009 02:38 PM Re: Leiber; yes, but I think it was post-surgery and not pre. Plus you don't want to do this at a time when it'll cost you a draft pick. So maybe after the cut-n-slice sounds like it worked and after the draft is done in June and you're off the hook for compensation it may be time to look into a rehab signing. Nymr83 Feb 05 2009 02:40 PM its strange that Sheets, if he knew he might need surgery, didn't accept arbitration from the Brewers. attgig Feb 05 2009 03:03 PM perhaps he had differing opinion vs the rangers doctors. him/his doctors didn't think he needed surgery, but the rangers docs did. and once ONE team's docs blackball you, it's gonna be impossible to get anything from any other team. Ashie62 Feb 05 2009 03:50 PM Sheets out 4-6 months for partially torn flexor tendon That answers that DocTee Feb 05 2009 04:20 PM Tough break. You know who I'd like to see the Mets take a flyer on: Mark Mulder. Centerfield Feb 06 2009 08:00 AM ="Ashie62":k5uv0414]Sheets out 4-6 months for partially torn flexor tendon That answers that[/quote:k5uv0414] That makes no sense. If that was the prognosis, why not have the surgery back in October? John Cougar Lunchbucket Feb 06 2009 08:28 AM ="Centerfield":125azak8]="Ashie62":125azak8]Sheets out 4-6 months for partially torn flexor tendon That answers that[/quote:125azak8] That makes no sense. If that was the prognosis, why not have the surgery back in October?[/quote:125azak8] Apparently the injury was revealed as part of a physical examination the Rangers required as a condition of a 2-year contract offer, now revoked. There is a question as to whether the Brewers will pay the doctor bills, paper sez. Nymr83 Feb 06 2009 08:38 AM thats going to be a question for the collective bargaining agreement, his last contract, and/or worker's comp laws. this is probably a good opportunity for the brewers to sign him for 2 years backloaded for cheap, maybe with a semi-expensive option for 2011 that kicks in with 200 innings in 2010. they'll probably be paying for his rehab anyway so they might as well be able to direct it and benefit from it

I believe he turned down 2x$11 from the Phillies in favor of FA-gency and this reported 2x$8 deal. Other FAs might want to take note of the trend of things to come.

Results revealed a week from today. Meanwhile, Newsday's Ken Davidoff[/url:fmb4ds8p] reveals not only his ballot but his reasoning behind each vote while showing a willingness to change his mind and adapt to changing thinking. Plus I think I agree with him on all his choices (and non-choices).

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"

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'.

="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.

Giants reportedly willing to offer four years (3 + option) to Manny - (Heyman) Same source also says that the Dodgers are going to restructure Andruw's remaining year so as to turn much of it into deferred money, a move most likely designed to make trading him easier. Heyman, btw, is going to be attached to the new MLB network, tacking that gig on to his existing ones of being the scoop guy for SI.com and WFAN. Bet he views having 3 jobs at a time when his former employer Newsday is laying off hundreds strikes him as a good situation these days.

Maddux def spurned a higher Yanqui offer to sign there - but that's the only one I know of who came from outside. There are probably some re-ups who could have made more elsewhere but chose to stay. Seems to me that most of their other bigger acquisitions were trades

The intro + Larsen game certainly got me in a baseball mood -- of course the fact that it was 10 degrees at the time means that simply a picture of striped socks could do the same. And I'm sure I'll check in on some of the specials during the remainder of the void period. As far as MLB-TV being an everyday thing ... we'll see. The good thing about baseball is that its everyday nature means a positive ratio of actually watching games to merely talking about games. The reverse ratio is one of the things that drives me nuts about football coverage. And, if nothing else, it'll be a more-available (maybe better?) alternative to 'BB2N'. Be nice if they wind up running it like the anti-ESPN ... although I wouldn't bet on it.

Good news folks, Barry Bonds says that he should be fully recovered from the hip surgery he needs in time for opening day!