metsmarathon

in ncaa competition, you can fail a drug test for having elevated levels of caffeine.

massaged for grayscale: and with a drastically reduced color depth (6 or 7 colors, i think)

="metsguyinmichigan":1uxh9oid]You think Sheets would be a fifth starter? Didn't he start the All-Star Game? Or did you mean we'd have five starters, and he'd be one of them?[/quote:1uxh9oid] we'd have five starters, and he'd be one of them. adding him to the presumed one of lowrezlf would bump the guy currently slated for the bottom of our rotation out of the 5th spot, and instead of trying to figure out where lowezlf fits into the current pantheon, and furthermore, where sheets would fit into that amalgam, i merely substituted fifth guy named for fifth guy named. it also highlights how much nice it would be to have him, instead of young mr. niese. Frayed Knot Jan 05 2009 12:55 PM ="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

so right now, our rotation would be: 1 sanatana 2 pelfrey 3 maine 4 lowrezlf 5 niese right? i don't see why we shouldn't get ben sheets irrespective of what we do with lowrezlf. i like him a lot better as a '5th' starter than niese, and if he falters or gets hurt, we still have a backup plan. without sheets, what's our backup plan? i'm a yes to sheets AND lowrezlf.

="Fman99"]> isn't... that a dude?

i never got around to finishing this... i should get back to it... m.e.t.b.o.t. needs more menace...

="Ashie62":hblnrkgs]Although the Metsies may be sewing Andruw Jones a jersey and importing steroids for his locker[/quote:hblnrkgs] i don't believe that for a second. Edgy DC Jan 03 2009 12:58 PM ="Ashie62"]="Benjamin Grimm"]This just in: Brian Fuentes to sign a two-year deal with the Angels. This just in: Mets do nothing Although the Metsies may be sewing Andruw Jones a jersey and importing steroids for his locker Yeah, the Mets by not getting a third closer, are doing nothing. Kong76 Jan 03 2009 01:36 PM Maybe the three closer thing is the way to go after the last two seasons. Ashie62 Jan 05 2009 02:37 PM ="Edgy DC"]="Ashie62"]="Benjamin Grimm"]This just in: Brian Fuentes to sign a two-year deal with the Angels. This just in: Mets do nothing Although the Metsies may be sewing Andruw Jones a jersey and importing steroids for his locker Yeah, the Mets by not getting a third closer, are doing nothing. True..my impatience caused me to jump over Krod & Putz KP DOOTY...I'm just frustrated that the odds of landing a power corner and a decent SP , Sheets, Garland, Lowe..are diminishing and pray the Mets are not newly cash short Burrell has a rep for being a prick but if the Rays can land him at 16 million for 2 years I then wonder why the Mets wouldn't top that and not have to expect 150 games from Murphy and even let Murphy learn 2B at AAA as an experiment. smg58 Jan 05 2009 03:15 PM 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. MFS62 Jan 05 2009 04:20 PM ="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.

i totally need me some new gillette blades. they're so sharp!

fixed... Nu YankWSOld YankWSSabathia26.5Mussina18Burnett14.2Pettitte11Teixiera30Giambi16Total70.7Total45

="batmagadanleadoff":2ez8sxsw]Because a player's Win Shares are limited by the number of games his team won. Last year, the Yankees (89) won 10 more games than the Rangers (79). The comparison is flawed.[/quote:2ez8sxsw] that complaint is really only valid when a team's actual win/loss record significantly deviates from their pythagorean expected win/loss. and even in the case of an extreme deviation, like, if a team won 8 more games than you'd expect, then you'd only have a 5% error. for a player with 10 WS, that'd be only 1/2 a WS - not nearly enough to invalidate such a comparison as was attempted here. also, for the record, texas outperformed their pythagorean expectation by 3 wins, while the yankees outperformed theirs by 2 wins. metsmarathon Dec 31 2008 10:03 AM Re: How Much Better Could They Really Have Gotten? fixed... Nu YankWSOld YankWSSabathia26.5Mussina18Burnett14.2Pettitte11Teixiera30Giambi16Total70.7Total45 Edgy DC Dec 31 2008 10:05 AM Ah, well, I didn't, um, include, his, uh, Atlanta perf... Hey, look, it's that Riddler Chick from the other thread! batmagadanleadoff Dec 31 2008 10:10 AM Okay. And nice catch for noticing that Teixeira's stats were split between his two teams. Edgy DC Dec 31 2008 10:15 AM I fumbled Sabathia too. The difference is a half a win improvement vs., um, 10. Glad I'm not the Mets GM. attgig Dec 31 2008 10:23 AM Re: How Much Better Could They Really Have Gotten? ="metsmarathon":2tqcjxhq]how the hell does giambi have a better ws than teixeira? teix is a better hitter and fielder![/quote:2tqcjxhq] how did it take almost 10 posts for someone to see that as a fishy stat?

aha! teix had 15 ws with laa, plus 15 ws with atlanta. similarly, sabathia had 16 ws with milwaukee, plus 9 ws with cleveland. so we can add 25 ws to the yankees' projection. plus the 2 ws we've already identified, and they're looking at a 27 ws improvement already, or about 9 wins. boo. (hardball times doesn't show combined stats, just what the players did for each team. i hate when sites do that.)

Nu YankWARP3Old YankWARP3Sabathia11.1Mussina8.6Burnett6.2Pettitte5.7Teixiera10.8Giambi4.5Total28.1Total18.8 um, i show about a 9 win improvement... how the hell does giambi have a better ws than teixeira? teix is a better hitter and fielder!

i only hate him when players i want the mets to get have him as their agent, and that drags out the process of signing said player, and typically means that, if we do get said player, its at a higher cost and because we offered the most money (as opposed to the fictional world i wish to live in where free agents choose the mets not for the most money but because they're the awesomest destination, and do so cheaply and before christmas).

what?

here, too, poop.

poop. (Merged from Tex a yank, 12/23/2008)

maybe it'll be padding, with brick printed upon it

first is where i see the greatest disparity between what we need, and what i fear we might get.

or that japanese chick!

have i allowed it in the past? i'm not sure... and if i were to allow it, then anyone who submitted their response after he signed would have an argument that you had a greater opportunity to amass correct predictions. also, anybody who guessed his dollars and years would only have had an increased opportunity to guess incorrectly. so while helping some early respondents, i would be hurting others. on jeopardy, if you try to buzz in before the question is fully read, your buzz doesn't count (it in fact triggers a delay). i am at least as fair as the standard set by jeopardy, despite the fact that i am certain i have a misapplied analogy.

well, this thread sure has taken some strange strange turns hasn't it?

dempster signed before the contest closed, ditto mussina's retirement. sabathia you'll get due credit for once he gets listed as signed on espn'com's free agent tracker. i guess there's still some t's to cross on the contract??? mike mussina also retired before the deadline, in case you were wondering why he's italicized like dempster.

i really wish we'd look at sheets, and bring in a backup plan as well.

oh, look! another update of that thing nobody cares about... Player Old Team New Team $/Yr Yrs metirish attgig edgy dc OlerudO mm JCL Oliver Perez, SP NY Mets LAD 14 5 LAD 14.5 5 PHI LAD LAD 12 4 NYY Mark Teixeira, 1B LA Angels SEA 21 7 BAL 21 6 NYY LAA NYM 23 7 LAA CC Sabathia, SP Milwaukee NYY 26 7 NYY 25.5 7 NYY NYY NYY 22 7 LAD Adam Dunn, LF Arizona LAD 15 4 WAS 13 3 COL NYM WAS 14 4 CLE Brad Penny, SP LA Dodgers SFG 14 4 HOU 14 4 BAL TOR TOR 11 4 TEX Juan Cruz, RP Arizona ARI 3 3 ARI 12 3 TEX NYM DET 8 3 NYM Orlando Hudson, 2B Arizona NYY 8 4 NYM 10 4 NYM STL FLA 8 2 NYM Ben Sheets, SP Milwaukee HOU 12 3 CHC 14 2 HOU MIL TEX 15 4 PIT Luis Ayala, RP NY Mets NYM 3.5 1 CLE 6 2 STL NYM NYM 6 2 NYM Milton Bradley, DH Texas TEX 9 3 NYM 9 2 KC BAL PHI 13 3 PHL Rafael Furcal, SS LA Dodgers SFG 10 3 BOS 11 4 ATL SFG SFG 12 3 SFG Kerry Wood, RP Chicago Cubs CLE $10 2 SDP 6 (-4) 2 (0) SDP 9.5 (0) 3 (+1) NYM TEX MIL 10 (0) 3 (+1) NYM Ryan Dempster, SP Chicago Cubs CHC 13 4 TOR 12 4 MIL 13 5 CHC LAD CHC 13 4 CHC A.J. Burnett, SP Toronto NYY $16.5 5 SEA 15 (-1) 4(-1) NYY 14(-2) 3(-2) TOR ATL TOR 16 (0) 5(0) BOS Freddy Garcia, SP Detroit WAS 3 2 PHI 10 2 CHW DET PHI 8 2 NYM Carl Pavano, SP NY Yankees FLA 4 1 ATL 13 1 MIL HOU SDP 7 2 NYY Pat Burrell, LF Philadelphia COL 16 3 LAD 16 4 CHC PHI ATL 14 3 TBR Brian Fuentes, RP Colorado NYM 16 4 NYM 11 4 ARI NYM NYM 12 3 NYM Edgar Renteria, SS Detroit SFG 9.25 2 LAD 8 (-1) 2 (0) WAS DET CHW 10 (+1) 2 (0) NYM Orlando Cabrera, SS Chicago Sox ATL 6 2 DET 8.5 2 DET BAL STL 9 3 CHW Bobby Abreu, RF NY Yankees TAM 10 3 WAS 14 4 ANA KCR NYY 15 2 WAS Nomar Garciaparra, SS LA Dodgers BAL 8 1 TBR 6 1 BOS HOU ARI 8 2 BOS Bob Howry, RP Chicago Cubs SFG 2.75 1 CHC 6 (+3) 2 (+1) SEA 5.5 (+3) 1 (+0) LA CLE PIT 8 (+5) 2 (+1) CHC Derek Lowe, SP LA Dodgers DET 15 4 NYM 11 4 ANA NYM NYM 12 2 BOS Casey Blake, 3B LA Dodgers LAD 6 3 LAD 8 (+2) 2 (-1) CLE 9 (+3) 3 (0) SF MIN BAL 8 (+2) 3 (0) MIN Mike Hampton, SP Atlanta HOU 2 1 WAS 6 (+4) 1 (0) LAD 10 (+8) 1 (0) SF BAL STL 7 (+5) 2 (+1) HOU Jason Varitek, C Boston BOS 10 1 SEA 12 2 BOS DET BOS 9 2 ARI Manny Ramirez, LF LA Dodgers TEX 20 4 LAA 21 3 LA LAD LAD 22 3 NYM Andy Pettitte, SP NY Yankees RET 0 0 TEX 18 4 NY NYY HOU 14 2 NYY Raul Ibanez, LF Seattle PHI 10.5 3 PHI 10 (0) 2 (-1) TEX 10 (0) 4 (+1) NYM WAS NYM 10 (0) 2 (-1) NYM Paul Lo Duca, C Florida HOU 3.5 1 SFG 4 2 LA MIL BOS 7 2 FLA Ivan Rodriguez, C NY Yankees FLA 4 1 OAK 9 1 MIL BOS RET 0 0 NYM Pedro Martinez, SP NY Mets NYM 5 1 RET 0 0 WAS LAD BOS 11 1 PIT Jason Giambi, 1B NY Yankees OAK 8 1 OAK 9 1 TEX OAK TOR 10 2 OAK Darren Oliver, RP LA Angels LAA TBD TBD SDP 4 1 COL 4 2 CIN PIT PHI 6 2 LAA Ken Griffey Jr., RF Chicago Sox RET 0 0 NYY 11 1 RET SEA SEA 8 1 RET Mike Mussina, SP NY Yankees RET 0 0 RET 0 0 NYY 14 2 ANA RET RET 0 0 RET Russ Springer, RP St. Louis RET 0 0 ATL 5 1 NYM COL NYM 7 1 HOU Trevor Hoffman, RP San Diego DET 11 1 CHW 8 1 SD ATL STL 10 2 ARI Moises Alou, LF NY Mets RET 0 0 RET 0 0 OAK RET WAS 7 1 RET 2 $14M 4 1 $17M 4 0 0 0 $13M 4 2 your leaders are: teams: lunchbucket & irish (2), attgig (1) dollars: me ($13M), irish ($14M), attgig ($17M) years: everyone (4 years) i'm still not sure how to treat irish's non-answer on renteria... i should probably dock him $9M and 2 years...

the madoff thing makes me not so much pissed or embarassed, so much as alarmed, as there's some pretty big names caught up in it along with wilpon. i mean, damn.