Bauxites made quick work of the previous Hijack Central; feast your gently smiling jaws on a new thread.
http://me.woot.net
Yes, I know a crocodile isn't the same thing as an alligator. I just felt the need for a Carroll reference. :)
Yes, I know a crocodile isn't the same thing as an alligator. I just felt the need for a Carroll reference. :)
I should have never doubted you... I was wondering if ya'd be able to come up with a strong Nawlins related title again.
Craig B.- About Tejada in the HoF in the last Hijack Central - They're good points , for sure, an obviously better formed opinion than mine. I just wanted to throw that out there, the strentgh of his numbers surprised me significantly and I was wondering how the others felt about his career to this point. On Baeball-Reference, his most similar batter through age 27 includes 3 Hall of Famers (Gary Crater, Bobby Doerr and Travis Jackson) as well as one certain HoF'er in Cal Ripken Jr. BTW, his most similar is Vern Stephens.
Craig B.- About Tejada in the HoF in the last Hijack Central - They're good points , for sure, an obviously better formed opinion than mine. I just wanted to throw that out there, the strentgh of his numbers surprised me significantly and I was wondering how the others felt about his career to this point. On Baeball-Reference, his most similar batter through age 27 includes 3 Hall of Famers (Gary Crater, Bobby Doerr and Travis Jackson) as well as one certain HoF'er in Cal Ripken Jr. BTW, his most similar is Vern Stephens.
Again, Craig - Count me among those who want no part of your personal Hell. The AL East will be "fun" enough as is.
---I'm reposting this since it got no love in the last thread---
I was wondering how likely it is that JP could find a backup SS in the Rule 5 draft. I'm guessing there are a truckload of no-hit, all-defence SS in the minor leagues. Finding the next Cesar Izturis but maybe a bit older and no longer sprinkled with prospect dust shouldn't be difficult. I'd rather take a chance on one of these players rather than spend 1M or more on a Graffanino or Sanchez. What does everyone else think?
I was wondering how likely it is that JP could find a backup SS in the Rule 5 draft. I'm guessing there are a truckload of no-hit, all-defence SS in the minor leagues. Finding the next Cesar Izturis but maybe a bit older and no longer sprinkled with prospect dust shouldn't be difficult. I'd rather take a chance on one of these players rather than spend 1M or more on a Graffanino or Sanchez. What does everyone else think?
Why bother getting another SS in the Rule 5 draft when Jorge Sequea is available, and probably will hit better than any of the guys they find anyway? It's not like Sequea is the long-term solution at SS, so they don't need to protect service time with him.
Why any team would reach out with millions to Sheffield and Tejada is beyond me. Gary's only worthy in a contract year, and Miguel's lack of concentration cost his team the ALDS victory against Boston. Do you really want to sign a guy who walks home, arms raised, on a pivotal play like that? Billy Beane will make some noise that his best free agents are walking away by the cruel money game, but I'm sure he's secretly pleased to be rid of Tejada - Fouke too, I'm certain the re-signing campaign was a bluff - Beane believes closers have a shelf life, why would he want to be comitted to pay one $10M 3 years from now?
As far as I know, the 40-man is full, making a selection in the Rule 5 draft not possible.
So we've got the most competitive division in all of baseball...in fact we could probably field a divisional All-Star team that could beat the cream of the crop from the rest of the MLB. What's your best lineup? Remember to use at least one player from each team.
Lineup
C - Posada
1B - Delgado
2B - Soriano (or Vidro)
3B - Hinske
SS - Tajada
LF - Ramirez
CF - Wells
RF - Sheffield
DH - Huff
Starting rotation
SP1 - Halladay
SP2 - Schilling
SP3 - Martinez
SP4 - Mussina
SP5 - Vasquez
Bullpen
CL - Rivera
SU - Quantrill
RP - Timlin (RHP)
RP - Embree (LHP)
RP - A. Lopez (RHP)
RP - Groom (LHP)
Bench
OF - Matsui
OF - Williams
IF - Jeter
IF - Garciparra
C - Varitek
Lineup
C - Posada
1B - Delgado
2B - Soriano (or Vidro)
3B - Hinske
SS - Tajada
LF - Ramirez
CF - Wells
RF - Sheffield
DH - Huff
Starting rotation
SP1 - Halladay
SP2 - Schilling
SP3 - Martinez
SP4 - Mussina
SP5 - Vasquez
Bullpen
CL - Rivera
SU - Quantrill
RP - Timlin (RHP)
RP - Embree (LHP)
RP - A. Lopez (RHP)
RP - Groom (LHP)
Bench
OF - Matsui
OF - Williams
IF - Jeter
IF - Garciparra
C - Varitek
that's one hell of an impessive lineup. especially the starting pitchers. whew, 5 of the best in the game there.
Setup man would be Foulke now - Quantrill doesn't make my team. I'd likely take Kim or Williamson over Timlin - close call. I'd choose Nomar over Tejada as the starter, Nixon over Matsui in the outfield and Mueller over Hinske at 3B.
We don't need Bernie on the bench - I'd choose Baldelli for defensive purposes (subbing for Manny in the late innings)
We don't need Bernie on the bench - I'd choose Baldelli for defensive purposes (subbing for Manny in the late innings)
I'll take Mueller over Hinske, Giambi over Delgado, Ortiz over Huff, and Williamson or Kim or Lopez.
Wire reports of Manny ready to go back to Boston and ESPN Radio 1000 in Chicago is reporting that Arizona agreed to terms on a one-year, $800,000 contract with free agent Brent Mayne.
Robert, you're right about Baldelli, I still like Hinkse more than Mueller, at least if he's healthy. Timlin was dead on during the playoffs so that won me over. I was debating whether it was fair or not to use a second closer as a setup man, I decided against it.
Robert, you're right about Baldelli, I still like Hinkse more than Mueller, at least if he's healthy. Timlin was dead on during the playoffs so that won me over. I was debating whether it was fair or not to use a second closer as a setup man, I decided against it.
I regard bullpen roles as interchangeable, just like #1, #2 starter etc.
For SHAME! This is a Jays fansite and you choose Giambi over Delgaldo? Heh, just wanted to say that.
Young, that's where you're wrong. This is "baseball from a Toronto perspective," though the line is clearly blurred ;-)
Anyone close to Vegas? I'm in L.A. The Jays are a long shot, but a great bet. They weren't that far out last year and looks at their rotation this year with the best pitcher in the league with the second best hitter -- not bad.
For anyone curious...Tejada receives a $12 million signing bonus, with $4 million payable in 2004 and $2 million each in 2005, 2006, 2010 and 2011.
He receives yearly salaries of $3 million in 2004, $9 million in 2005, $10 million in 2006, $12 million in 2007, $13 million in 2008 and $13 million in 2009.
If they can get Vlad or Pudge on a two or three year deal, it seems more plausible in terms of affordability.
He receives yearly salaries of $3 million in 2004, $9 million in 2005, $10 million in 2006, $12 million in 2007, $13 million in 2008 and $13 million in 2009.
If they can get Vlad or Pudge on a two or three year deal, it seems more plausible in terms of affordability.
So,I was just at espn.com listening to the new espn motion clips and
the new one from Gammons was him discussing the Tejada signing and
the probable Pudge signing by the O's and he said, "so that's not a
bad start, but when you're in a division with the Red Sox, the Blue
Jays and Yankees, and I think the Blue Jays are not far from that
category...." Hmmm, pretty nice words coming from Gammons, I mean I
believed that anyway, but it's nice to hear from someone else who's
not slightly (or more than slightly) biased towards the Jays.
By the way, in regards to the a previous post choosing Giambi over Delgado:
hr rbi bb so ba obp slg ops
Giambi: 41 107 129 140 .250 .412 .527 .939
Delgado:42 145 109 137 .302 .426 .593 1.019
Delgado was better this year, but Giambi was definitely superior in his 3 year averages....plus Delgado is a better defensive player...ehh, I chose Delgado over Giambi; I see Carlos getting better while it seems Giambi is sliding, IMO
the new one from Gammons was him discussing the Tejada signing and
the probable Pudge signing by the O's and he said, "so that's not a
bad start, but when you're in a division with the Red Sox, the Blue
Jays and Yankees, and I think the Blue Jays are not far from that
category...." Hmmm, pretty nice words coming from Gammons, I mean I
believed that anyway, but it's nice to hear from someone else who's
not slightly (or more than slightly) biased towards the Jays.
By the way, in regards to the a previous post choosing Giambi over Delgado:
hr rbi bb so ba obp slg ops
Giambi: 41 107 129 140 .250 .412 .527 .939
Delgado:42 145 109 137 .302 .426 .593 1.019
Delgado was better this year, but Giambi was definitely superior in his 3 year averages....plus Delgado is a better defensive player...ehh, I chose Delgado over Giambi; I see Carlos getting better while it seems Giambi is sliding, IMO
Does anyone know what time the Rule 5 is going to be held this afternoon (ET), and whether it will be aired live on MLBRadio?
There are still plenty of rumours in today"s Boston Herald about O-dog being shipped to Beantown. The main one was the fall-out from the A-rod deal after they shipped Nomar to wherever (Dodgers, Angels) and Toronto getting the bounty from that trade. The newspaper also quoted a source that said the O-dog trade could happen anyway regardless of the A-rod deal with Boston sending Williamson to St. Louis and Toronto getting Jason Marquis.
Toronto getting Jason Marquis
What on earth would we do with Marquis? From what I've read he needs work, maybe another year or two to really get his head together and stop thinking. As well, the Jays have a few young pitchers that are expected to come up between June of 2004 and September of 2005 so we just don't need Marquis. With Hudson, we've got a player who is showing steady improvement from one year to the next and costs us relatively little (303K in 2003).
-Adam
What on earth would we do with Marquis? From what I've read he needs work, maybe another year or two to really get his head together and stop thinking. As well, the Jays have a few young pitchers that are expected to come up between June of 2004 and September of 2005 so we just don't need Marquis. With Hudson, we've got a player who is showing steady improvement from one year to the next and costs us relatively little (303K in 2003).
-Adam
Rios hit an RBI double and a 3-run blast for Puerto Rico yesterday, as PR beat the Dominicans in the winter league all-star game. It looks like he's big league material already (playing with the likes of Ortiz, Berroa and Furcal) but I would love to see him working some counts in Syracuse for a few months at least.
According to the Fan, the Rule 5 gets underway at 9:00 ET.
The draft starts at 9 CT (10 ET) according to Baseball America.
For anyone curious...Tejada receives a $12 million signing bonus, with $4 million payable in 2004 and $2 million each in 2005, 2006, 2010 and 2011.
I don't understand why they call it a signing bonus when it's not paid at the time of signing. Is it a question of present-day-value? Does it have income tax or luxury tax or accounting ramifications? Maybe one of the lawyer types can clarify this for me.
Any way you slice it, the Orioles don't get it. I like Tejada as much as anyone, but this looks for all the world like an albatross of a deal.
I don't understand why they call it a signing bonus when it's not paid at the time of signing. Is it a question of present-day-value? Does it have income tax or luxury tax or accounting ramifications? Maybe one of the lawyer types can clarify this for me.
Any way you slice it, the Orioles don't get it. I like Tejada as much as anyone, but this looks for all the world like an albatross of a deal.
I like Tejada as much as anyone, but this looks for all the world like an albatross of a deal.
Maybe from the viewpoint of a team with no money. But for the team owned by the world's most successful ambulance chaser, it's cool. Tejeda will be 33 at the end of the contract ... probably not in a wheelchair yet!
And he's fine bait for Vlad and IRod. He he.
Maybe from the viewpoint of a team with no money. But for the team owned by the world's most successful ambulance chaser, it's cool. Tejeda will be 33 at the end of the contract ... probably not in a wheelchair yet!
And he's fine bait for Vlad and IRod. He he.
Greg Os Fan - What do you think of the rumored Phelps for Riley talks?
http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/TorontoSun/Sports/2003/12/15/287557.html
I had to laugh at this brutally honest quote from Mark Hendrickson this morning in the Sun (COMN):
"With Toronto wanting to win the next year, I can't blame them for wanting to move me ... I would have had to question my role and go to spring training to compete for a job.
"Tampa Bay is a better fit for the type of pitcher I am."
Ouch.
I had to laugh at this brutally honest quote from Mark Hendrickson this morning in the Sun (COMN):
"With Toronto wanting to win the next year, I can't blame them for wanting to move me ... I would have had to question my role and go to spring training to compete for a job.
"Tampa Bay is a better fit for the type of pitcher I am."
Ouch.
What kind of hitter's park is Ottawa in the IL? Just curious how much Jack Cust's slugging numbers might have been affected - if at all - by playing there? He slugged only 426, but got on base at a 422 clip. Since he seems undervalued in Baltimore, and TO likes to "fly under the radar", I wonder if there's any interest here. We haven't heard any Cust rumours for about a half-year, but there is this new Phelps for Riley one.
I think JP would be making a big mistake trading Phelps for Riley. With no guarantee that Delgado will be staying after this year, the Jays may need someone who can hit the ball out the way Phelps can in the middle of the lineup. I don't see him being traded just like that.
Tejeda will be 33 at the end of the contract ... probably not in a wheelchair yet!
No, but he's already dropping range at a significant rate. I like Tejada, he's a favourite of mine, but he's not an elite defensive shortstop (and never really was) and while the Orioles, being the Orioles, are likely to keep him at shortstop as long as possible, I think that within a couple of years he'll be more effective at second or preferably third base. He won't be moved, but he'll be less valuable.
I think Tejada will hit with more power as he gets older (or rather, that power-hitting will become even more a part of his game) but he has shown real benefits from the tutelage in Oakland and is taking more walks now - if not as many as when he was a young player. If he can keep his average up relatively high for Tejada (he does make tons of outs) he should be productive to the end of the contract. He could slip into Tony Batista territory though with the batting average, but I don't see it as likely.
The Orioles, more than any other team in baseball, need to make a serious leap forward to secure the financial future of the franchise. Their monopoly of two markets is going to come to an end sooner or later, since they have progressively alienated every ally they have had in baseball except the Commissioner. Before that happens, they need to build some success so as to stake a long-term claim to fan loyalties in their secondary market. They have frittered away six years of their rapidly declining monopoly window on "ballpark ball" (poor and indifferent teams that depended on a lovely ballpark to sell tickets) and management ineptitude. They seem to realize it's time to get serious again.
No, but he's already dropping range at a significant rate. I like Tejada, he's a favourite of mine, but he's not an elite defensive shortstop (and never really was) and while the Orioles, being the Orioles, are likely to keep him at shortstop as long as possible, I think that within a couple of years he'll be more effective at second or preferably third base. He won't be moved, but he'll be less valuable.
I think Tejada will hit with more power as he gets older (or rather, that power-hitting will become even more a part of his game) but he has shown real benefits from the tutelage in Oakland and is taking more walks now - if not as many as when he was a young player. If he can keep his average up relatively high for Tejada (he does make tons of outs) he should be productive to the end of the contract. He could slip into Tony Batista territory though with the batting average, but I don't see it as likely.
The Orioles, more than any other team in baseball, need to make a serious leap forward to secure the financial future of the franchise. Their monopoly of two markets is going to come to an end sooner or later, since they have progressively alienated every ally they have had in baseball except the Commissioner. Before that happens, they need to build some success so as to stake a long-term claim to fan loyalties in their secondary market. They have frittered away six years of their rapidly declining monopoly window on "ballpark ball" (poor and indifferent teams that depended on a lovely ballpark to sell tickets) and management ineptitude. They seem to realize it's time to get serious again.
Pistol, I've looked everywhere for an updated list of Rule 5s, can't find one anywhere. Even Primer has no Rule 5 thread.
There are still plenty of rumours in today's Boston Herald about O-dog being shipped to Beantown.
I don't get it. Why would the Jays trade Hudson, especially for pitching? They don't have anybody else to play second (unless you count Dave Berg and Howie Clark). Adams and Hill aren't ready yet.
I don't get it. Why would the Jays trade Hudson, especially for pitching? They don't have anybody else to play second (unless you count Dave Berg and Howie Clark). Adams and Hill aren't ready yet.
Dan Szymborski over at Primer has posted the funniest thing I've read all week.
Ainge_fan, in my direct experience, Ottawa is more of a pitcher's park -- fairly deep in the alleys, not much of a hitting background (the local Canadian Tire is beyond the right-field fence). I've been to several games there and I've never seen more than one home run a game. But that's all anecdotal, and there may well be minor-league park stats that put the lie to my impressions. However, I think Cust's lack of power may be a genuine problem: most of his gaudy minor-league HR totals came in hitter's parks in Colorado and Arizona (High Desert, Tucson and Colorado Springs). It appears to be a different story at sea level. Even in a pitcher's park, a .426 SLG in Triple-A is not very impressive.
Robert Dudek,
To answer your question, the role I envisioned for Hendrickson was fighting with Towers for the 5th starter spot, with the loser in the bullpen and ready to start in the case of injury or utter ineffectiveness to a starter at the start of the season. My observation is that it is usually the case that one of team's top 5 starters will be unavailable by mid-May for this reason.
I would have much preferred Hendrickson to Walker or Chen in this role to start the season, although I have high hopes for Chen by mid-season or so.
But, what's done is done.
To answer your question, the role I envisioned for Hendrickson was fighting with Towers for the 5th starter spot, with the loser in the bullpen and ready to start in the case of injury or utter ineffectiveness to a starter at the start of the season. My observation is that it is usually the case that one of team's top 5 starters will be unavailable by mid-May for this reason.
I would have much preferred Hendrickson to Walker or Chen in this role to start the season, although I have high hopes for Chen by mid-season or so.
But, what's done is done.
Jim Callis at BA has a very good summary of the trade: http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/news/031214speier.html.
John Lott does some good (below the radar) work covering the Jays for the National Post. Here's a highlight from his article on the Speier trade:
Justin Speier spoiled things for nostalgia fans in San Diego last Sept. 28, when the Padres played their last game in Qualcomm Stadium.
The Padres were down two runs to Colorado with two on and nobody out in the bottom of the ninth. Speier, the Rockies' new closer, came in and struck out three consecutive batters to nail his ninth save and end the stadium's 35-year run.
It turned out to be Speier's last hurrah for the Rockies as well. But it may have presaged his new posting as closer for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Justin Speier spoiled things for nostalgia fans in San Diego last Sept. 28, when the Padres played their last game in Qualcomm Stadium.
The Padres were down two runs to Colorado with two on and nobody out in the bottom of the ninth. Speier, the Rockies' new closer, came in and struck out three consecutive batters to nail his ninth save and end the stadium's 35-year run.
It turned out to be Speier's last hurrah for the Rockies as well. But it may have presaged his new posting as closer for the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Mariners were apparently pushing hard for Tejada, with Vlad as the "backup" plan. If Bavasi isn't a total idiot (and there's little proof that he isn't), he'll switch gears fast and start pushing even harder for the best free agent since A-Rod. With Oakland losing Foulke (I'm sure Beane is very unhappy--Foulke isn't just a proven closer--he's been the best reliever in baseball the past five years), Guerrero alone could push the Mariners decisively ahead of the A's and Angels in the West.
What kind of hitter's park is Ottawa in the IL?
325, 404, 324...it's kinda flat in the alleys, but we watched four games there (favorite fp santangelo in centre,) and didn't see a ball hit out.
325, 404, 324...it's kinda flat in the alleys, but we watched four games there (favorite fp santangelo in centre,) and didn't see a ball hit out.
If Bavasi isn't a total idiot... he'll switch gears fast and start pushing even harder for the best free agent since A-Rod.
They've already locked up Raul Ibanez and Randy Winn at a combined $7M per year to play LF and CF.
And now there's talk that they're after Scott Spiezio for $3M per year.
Why bother pursuing top shelf talent when you can pay a combined $10M for Ibanez, Winn and Spiezio?
They've already locked up Raul Ibanez and Randy Winn at a combined $7M per year to play LF and CF.
And now there's talk that they're after Scott Spiezio for $3M per year.
Why bother pursuing top shelf talent when you can pay a combined $10M for Ibanez, Winn and Spiezio?
Mike Wilner was on the Fan for about 10 mins just now , he said J.P. is working the crowd and other G.M'S like crazy this morning. Wilner says J.P was talking with G.M Williams of the White Sox for a while this morning after the rule 5 draft.
Wilner said that the Commish has given the Red Sox and Texas a deadline of today to get the deal done. Red Sox can not have talks with AROD and Boras after today.
Wilner said that the Commish has given the Red Sox and Texas a deadline of today to get the deal done. Red Sox can not have talks with AROD and Boras after today.
With respect to the commentary on the divisional all star squad, I believe that Jeter should unequivocally be the starting SS. He may not have the power numbers that Nomar and Miguel bring to the table, but he gets on base at a better clip & he seems to have a knack for coming up with the big play/hit when it counts most - in the post season.
Plus, he's a big playboy and could most likely get some of the hottest feminitas to act as the divisional cheerleading squad. Let's start with Jessica Alba...
Plus, he's a big playboy and could most likely get some of the hottest feminitas to act as the divisional cheerleading squad. Let's start with Jessica Alba...
http://me.woot.net
Yeah, damn right. Jeter is CLUTCH.
Yeah, damn right. Jeter is CLUTCH.
Jeter can join Luis Sojo with his clutchness where it's most needed (the bench). He'll have more time to organise the cheerleading squad from there.
Something happened with Guillermo Quiroz today in Venezuela, but my high school Spanish isn't enough to figure it out:
Las Águilas del Zulia cortaron la mala racha y superaron a Pastora de los Llanos 6-5, con hit de oro ligado por Guillermo Quiroz que llevó hasta la goma a Jolbert Cabrera con la carrera para dejar en el terreno a los lácteos.
Ante los lanzamientos del perdedor José García, ligaron tres hits continuos Cabrera, el emergente Orlando Muñoz y Quiroz para provocar la carrera en la parte baja del noveno inning, y apuntarse la ganancia tras once encuentros perdidos de forma consecutiva.
Google's translation isn't much help:
The Eagles of Zulia cut the bad gust of wind and surpassed to Shepherd of the Level ones 6-5, with hit of gold related by Guillermo Quiroz who took until the rubber to Jolbert Goatherd with the race to leave in the land milky ones. Before the launchings of the loser Jose Garci'a, they bound to three hits continuous Goatherd, the emergent one Trimming Muñoz and Quiroz to cause the race in the low part of ninth inning, and to score the gain after eleven lost encounter of consecutive form.
Jabonoso, Cristian, we really, really need your help.
Las Águilas del Zulia cortaron la mala racha y superaron a Pastora de los Llanos 6-5, con hit de oro ligado por Guillermo Quiroz que llevó hasta la goma a Jolbert Cabrera con la carrera para dejar en el terreno a los lácteos.
Ante los lanzamientos del perdedor José García, ligaron tres hits continuos Cabrera, el emergente Orlando Muñoz y Quiroz para provocar la carrera en la parte baja del noveno inning, y apuntarse la ganancia tras once encuentros perdidos de forma consecutiva.
Google's translation isn't much help:
The Eagles of Zulia cut the bad gust of wind and surpassed to Shepherd of the Level ones 6-5, with hit of gold related by Guillermo Quiroz who took until the rubber to Jolbert Goatherd with the race to leave in the land milky ones. Before the launchings of the loser Jose Garci'a, they bound to three hits continuous Goatherd, the emergent one Trimming Muñoz and Quiroz to cause the race in the low part of ninth inning, and to score the gain after eleven lost encounter of consecutive form.
Jabonoso, Cristian, we really, really need your help.
Given their weak bullpen, the Phillies decided to sign Roberto Hernandez to a one-year, $750K contract. Source: ESPN wire
they bound to three hits continuous Goatherd
I'd just like to say that "Continuous Goatherd" is a great name for a band.
I'd just like to say that "Continuous Goatherd" is a great name for a band.
"The Eagles of Zulia cut the bad gust of wind and surpassed to Shepherd of the Level ones 6-5"
Obviously, this means Zulia broke a losing streak and beat Los Llanos (?) 6-5.
I think Quiroz's hit scored Jolbert Cabrera.
It seems Zulia had lost eleven in a row.
They scored on three straight hits off Jose Garcia in the bottom of the ninth.
Obviously, this means Zulia broke a losing streak and beat Los Llanos (?) 6-5.
I think Quiroz's hit scored Jolbert Cabrera.
It seems Zulia had lost eleven in a row.
They scored on three straight hits off Jose Garcia in the bottom of the ninth.
Well, Craig B, you're ahead of me. The Venezuelan League website had Zulia losing 6-5, but who knows if that's right? Just as long as Quiroz wasn't injured, I'm all right with it. I guess you figure "hit del oro" means "game-winning hit". Kind of poetic (the literal translation being "golden hit"); we'll have to ask Miguel Batista about it.
Jolbert Goatherd is obviously the lead singer of the Continuous Goatherd.
Jolbert Goatherd is obviously the lead singer of the Continuous Goatherd.
http://economics.about.com
I'd just like to say that "Continuous Goatherd" is a great name for a band.
Meh. It sounds too much like a rip-off of the greatest dadaist metal band ever: "Accidental Goat Sodomy".
Mike
I'd just like to say that "Continuous Goatherd" is a great name for a band.
Meh. It sounds too much like a rip-off of the greatest dadaist metal band ever: "Accidental Goat Sodomy".
Mike
Greg Os Fan - What do you think of the rumored Phelps for Riley talks?
It ain't gonna happen. Baltimore is desperate for pitching and already has Gibbons (Phelps-Lite) at first base. Besides, the Jays need Phelps for after Delgado leaves.
It ain't gonna happen. Baltimore is desperate for pitching and already has Gibbons (Phelps-Lite) at first base. Besides, the Jays need Phelps for after Delgado leaves.
--Here's what I get--
The Zulia Aguilas (Eagles) cut) bad gust of wind (I'm guessing Venezuelan slang for ended a string of bad luck) and beat the Llanos Shepperds 6-5 with a golden hit by Quiroz that brought Cabrera home with the run that left los lacteos (milky ones-probably how journalists playfully refer to the Sheppards) in the ground.
Before the pitches of the loser, Jose Garcia, the Aguilas got three consecutive hits from Cabrera, the emerging Orlando Munoz, and Quiroz to start the bottom of the ninth, getting the win after 11 consecutive losses to the Sheppards.
note:
The literal translation for Cabrera is shepard or goatherd. However, it is a common surname and Spanish people would recognize it as such in the same way you might recognize Miller and Smith as being surnames and not really being millers and smiths. However, in this article, with one of the teams actually being called the Sheppards, I can see where the confusion comes from...although it didn't stop me from laughing.
However, just so I don't get too full of myself I'll tell you that after reading Mike Green's post stating that 'something happened to Quiroz today' I scanned the article, saw 'ligado' and I immediately thought 'ligament'. Don't worry though, nothing is wrong with Quiroz.
I'm still not 100% sure of my translation though. Hopefully Jabonoso can clean it up a bit. In my defence the Spanish here isn't very good.
The Zulia Aguilas (Eagles) cut) bad gust of wind (I'm guessing Venezuelan slang for ended a string of bad luck) and beat the Llanos Shepperds 6-5 with a golden hit by Quiroz that brought Cabrera home with the run that left los lacteos (milky ones-probably how journalists playfully refer to the Sheppards) in the ground.
Before the pitches of the loser, Jose Garcia, the Aguilas got three consecutive hits from Cabrera, the emerging Orlando Munoz, and Quiroz to start the bottom of the ninth, getting the win after 11 consecutive losses to the Sheppards.
note:
The literal translation for Cabrera is shepard or goatherd. However, it is a common surname and Spanish people would recognize it as such in the same way you might recognize Miller and Smith as being surnames and not really being millers and smiths. However, in this article, with one of the teams actually being called the Sheppards, I can see where the confusion comes from...although it didn't stop me from laughing.
However, just so I don't get too full of myself I'll tell you that after reading Mike Green's post stating that 'something happened to Quiroz today' I scanned the article, saw 'ligado' and I immediately thought 'ligament'. Don't worry though, nothing is wrong with Quiroz.
I'm still not 100% sure of my translation though. Hopefully Jabonoso can clean it up a bit. In my defence the Spanish here isn't very good.
Thanks for the Ottawa park info, guys - the dimensions seem average enough, there must be some other variables that can account for the anecdotal evidence - maybe the backdrop does contribute, Jordan. Isn't a drop of 100 points in slugging a little extreme (i.e., AAA '02 in Colorado Springs vs. '03 in Ottawa) based on park changes? Was there an injury? Off-year?
I'm not sure if the bloom is off Cust's rose - if he has less than average power, it reduces his value to exactly one above average skill, and several below average ones. I think it might *just* have been an off-year, though, since his % of extra-base hits was notably lower than other years - too much I'd guess to be just the change in park. I'd expect some of the power to rebound next year, which might make him a nice addition to a Riley-Phelps deal - if he is indeed undervalued.
Minor league park effect numbers would be handy...for someone more capable than me to comment on, since I'm no pro in this regard...but am curious to learn more.
PS Hijack; Expos sign Carl Everett to a 2-yr deal for 7 million.
I'm not sure if the bloom is off Cust's rose - if he has less than average power, it reduces his value to exactly one above average skill, and several below average ones. I think it might *just* have been an off-year, though, since his % of extra-base hits was notably lower than other years - too much I'd guess to be just the change in park. I'd expect some of the power to rebound next year, which might make him a nice addition to a Riley-Phelps deal - if he is indeed undervalued.
Minor league park effect numbers would be handy...for someone more capable than me to comment on, since I'm no pro in this regard...but am curious to learn more.
PS Hijack; Expos sign Carl Everett to a 2-yr deal for 7 million.
PS Hijack; Expos sign Carl Everett to a 2-yr deal for 7 million.
This may be a philosophical-theological question for The Church of Baseball, but can a thread called "Hijack Central" truly be hijacked?
This may be a philosophical-theological question for The Church of Baseball, but can a thread called "Hijack Central" truly be hijacked?
***************************************
ATHLETICS BREAKING NEWS
***************************************
A's ACQUIRE CATCHER MICHAEL BARRETT FROM MONTREAL
The Oakland A's acquired catcher Michael Barrett from
the Montreal Expos on Monday for a player to be named later.
The 27-year-old Barrett made his Major League debut with
Montreal in 1998 and has a .253 career average with 38 home
runs and 193 RBIs in 542 Major League games over six seasons
with the Expos. Barrett was Montreal's first-round pick in
the 1995 draft.
ATHLETICS BREAKING NEWS
***************************************
A's ACQUIRE CATCHER MICHAEL BARRETT FROM MONTREAL
The Oakland A's acquired catcher Michael Barrett from
the Montreal Expos on Monday for a player to be named later.
The 27-year-old Barrett made his Major League debut with
Montreal in 1998 and has a .253 career average with 38 home
runs and 193 RBIs in 542 Major League games over six seasons
with the Expos. Barrett was Montreal's first-round pick in
the 1995 draft.
The A's acquire a guy with a career OPS+ of 75???
Add to that the fact that he isn't a particularly good defensive catcher and it is a curious acquisition.
can a thread called "Hijack Central" truly be hijacked?
Absolutely. It's very purpose is to be hijacked, whereas most threads purport to be discussions evolving from a given starting point. In Hijack Central, abrupt changes of topic are welcome.
What I'm wondering is why I bothered to respond to this...
Absolutely. It's very purpose is to be hijacked, whereas most threads purport to be discussions evolving from a given starting point. In Hijack Central, abrupt changes of topic are welcome.
What I'm wondering is why I bothered to respond to this...
Barrett is probably a fill-in until Jeremy Brown is ready.
http://economics.about.com
Barrett is probably a fill-in until Jeremy Brown is ready.
ROFL. I think sarcastic humor is overdone on the net, but this is truly hilarious.
This has been a weird off-season. Either Beane has found a brilliant new way to measure talent, or he's lost his mind. Unfortunately I think it's the latter.
Mike
Barrett is probably a fill-in until Jeremy Brown is ready.
ROFL. I think sarcastic humor is overdone on the net, but this is truly hilarious.
This has been a weird off-season. Either Beane has found a brilliant new way to measure talent, or he's lost his mind. Unfortunately I think it's the latter.
Mike
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?id=1686868
John Sickels on the Jays Rule 5 pick RHP Talley Hanines.
"Toronto: Talley Haines, RHP, from the Devil Rays: A 25th-round pick in 1998 from Freed-Hardeman University in Tennessee. Haines, 27, posted a 2.53 ERA and 64/11 K/BB ratio in 68 innings for Triple-A Durham. He owns a 3.41 career minor-league ERA in 404 innings. Doesn't have awesome stuff, but throws strikes and keeps the ball down. He could fit in well as a bullpen utility pitcher."
Click on my name for the Full Rule 5 review.
John Sickels on the Jays Rule 5 pick RHP Talley Hanines.
"Toronto: Talley Haines, RHP, from the Devil Rays: A 25th-round pick in 1998 from Freed-Hardeman University in Tennessee. Haines, 27, posted a 2.53 ERA and 64/11 K/BB ratio in 68 innings for Triple-A Durham. He owns a 3.41 career minor-league ERA in 404 innings. Doesn't have awesome stuff, but throws strikes and keeps the ball down. He could fit in well as a bullpen utility pitcher."
Click on my name for the Full Rule 5 review.
Up until now, you could say that Beane had been going for defence over offence. Yeah, they all hit with wiffle bats, but there's a lot of slick gloves.
But Barrett doesn't offer much offence or defence. He also made $2.6 million in 2003. Unless the Expos are picking up a lot of salary and the A's can somehow coax out the great hitter Barrett was supposed to be, this doesn't look like a great deal.
But Barrett doesn't offer much offence or defence. He also made $2.6 million in 2003. Unless the Expos are picking up a lot of salary and the A's can somehow coax out the great hitter Barrett was supposed to be, this doesn't look like a great deal.
The Giants acquired Mohr for a PTBNL. With Kielty arriving across the Bay this off-season and the Giants having only Michael Tucker in RF, this deal is not surprising. I do think Brian Sabean is tempting fate by counting on Barry Bonds to supply the OBP for the team.
Colour me a bit suprised by the A's acquisiton of Barrett, too. I figured Barrett would have been non-tendered, and I guess Beane is going to throw a marginal minor leaguer Minaya's way to make up for being given first shot at Barrett, potentially getting a slightly better prospect if the A's sign Barrett.
Word is that Barrett is a really good guy in the clubhouse and he calls a very good game, even though he's a converted infielder. I guess Beane will try to sign him for a reasonable price, and he may non-tender if Barrett insists on going to arbitration. Barrett's never had a year like he had in 1999, but one has to wonder how much of that has been a product of being jerked around between 3B and C for two years. I think Beane's thoughts are that Barrett's injury problems adversely affected his performance last year, and that he could hopefully bounce back to a performance like 2002. He'll then use the money left to sign another outfielder or a reliever (a lefty like Rhodes or Rincon to slot in front of their Rule Ver Brooks).
Word is that Barrett is a really good guy in the clubhouse and he calls a very good game, even though he's a converted infielder. I guess Beane will try to sign him for a reasonable price, and he may non-tender if Barrett insists on going to arbitration. Barrett's never had a year like he had in 1999, but one has to wonder how much of that has been a product of being jerked around between 3B and C for two years. I think Beane's thoughts are that Barrett's injury problems adversely affected his performance last year, and that he could hopefully bounce back to a performance like 2002. He'll then use the money left to sign another outfielder or a reliever (a lefty like Rhodes or Rincon to slot in front of their Rule Ver Brooks).
When the A's signed Chris Singleton a year ago, I read from more than one source that Beane "knows something we don't" regarding Singleton's sub-impressive OBP. Well, it turns out "we" were right about Singleton: he was fine defensively -- surely an upgrade over Terrence Long -- but his offense, or lack of it, came as advertised. This acquisition is no different. Beane thinks he knows something we don't about Michael Barrett, but, as with Singleton, I'm afraid "we" may know better.
Two years ago the A's lost an MVP, their closer, and their starting CF, yet won 100 games in 2002 before dropping back a little last year. This year, they've lost an MVP, their closer, and their regular catcher. The jury is still out, of course, but this is looking more and more like an 85-win team. Now that Foulke and Tejada have departed, they do have money to spend, but if they're going to use in on players such as Barrett, they're in trouble.
Two years ago the A's lost an MVP, their closer, and their starting CF, yet won 100 games in 2002 before dropping back a little last year. This year, they've lost an MVP, their closer, and their regular catcher. The jury is still out, of course, but this is looking more and more like an 85-win team. Now that Foulke and Tejada have departed, they do have money to spend, but if they're going to use in on players such as Barrett, they're in trouble.
Oh, and last year, many in the Primer/BP crowd were thrilled with some of Beane's lesser-publicized acquistions of catcher Mark Johnson, pitcher Joe Valentine, and Rule Five players Rontrez Johnson and Buddy Hernandez. Mark Johnson was terrible, as his numbers suggested he would be, Valentine did not pan out (and was later traded), and neither Rontrez Johnson or Hernandez made the club. So you can spin all you want about the A's and their new Rule Five gem (Brooks), but either last year was an aberration and Beane is due for one of these players to work out, or maybe, just maybe, he's not the judge of talent some make him out to be. A shrewd GM with a sharp ability to handle a small-budget team and to make good trades? Sure. A shrewd judge of talent? Not so sure about that.
I would have disagreed until I absorbed the train-wreck moves of Gilvasi yesterday.
Word is the Athletics are closing in on Arthur Rhodes. I like Speier and Ligtenberg (though I feel the latter was overpaid for) but considering they'll make about $3 million between them in 2004 and more the following year, I would have sooner given $2.5-$3.0 million to Arthur Rhodes. He could have been an undisputed go-to closer type. In fact I'd be much happier if the Speier deal was still done but they'd spent Ligtenberg's money towards Rhodes instead.
No matter...word is Speier can handle lefties so he may become the closer of choice.
No matter...word is Speier can handle lefties so he may become the closer of choice.
85 wins might just take the AL West.
I think Anaheim will be a bit tougher than that, but maybe not by much. Seattle are a horror show, but they still have a decent staff in a pitcher's park. I think it will take more than 90 wins in the AL West, probably 92-93 wins. I don't think the A's have the horses to get there, but that's one hell of a starting rotation to begin with.
I think Anaheim will be a bit tougher than that, but maybe not by much. Seattle are a horror show, but they still have a decent staff in a pitcher's park. I think it will take more than 90 wins in the AL West, probably 92-93 wins. I don't think the A's have the horses to get there, but that's one hell of a starting rotation to begin with.
Craig - I agree that the A's will be tougher than most think, though I'd still probably put them behind the Angels right now. People seem to be forgetting that the Oakland offense was already pretty bad last year, and guys like Durazo and Hatteberg will probably improve. Losing Tejada and Hernandez will hurt, but improving the outfield offense will make up for some of that.
I'm not saying they'll necessarily win 100 or anything, just that they're definitely still in the hunt.
I'm not saying they'll necessarily win 100 or anything, just that they're definitely still in the hunt.
On re-reading Craig's post, perhaps I wasn't agreeing with him as much as I thought I was. Oh well, my thesis still stands =P
Regarding Mike Barrett, Ken Rosenthal says in a piece today, that 'don't expect Barrett to stay, he'll be flipped to the Cubs who want him'. Wait and see I guess?
This acquisition is no different. Beane thinks he knows something we don't about Michael Barrett, but, as with Singleton, I'm afraid "we" may know better.
I'm not about to defend Beane picking up Barrett, but I think it's wrong to put this in the same category as the Singleton deal.
With Singleton "we" assumed there must have some other angle to the deal other than the obvious. But given the way the A's greatly improved their defense last year, I think it's fair to assume Beane got what he wanted out of Chris.
If he can flip Barrett to the Cubs for a cup of laundry detergent, good for him.
And R Billie, Rhodes aint signing for $3M. He rejected a three year, $12M contract from the Mariners in the spring, and there are still some clubs that can afford him at that $4M+ price.
I'm not about to defend Beane picking up Barrett, but I think it's wrong to put this in the same category as the Singleton deal.
With Singleton "we" assumed there must have some other angle to the deal other than the obvious. But given the way the A's greatly improved their defense last year, I think it's fair to assume Beane got what he wanted out of Chris.
If he can flip Barrett to the Cubs for a cup of laundry detergent, good for him.
And R Billie, Rhodes aint signing for $3M. He rejected a three year, $12M contract from the Mariners in the spring, and there are still some clubs that can afford him at that $4M+ price.
I doubt Beane is really going to sign Rhodes anyway, he just said again today he's going to re-sign Rincon.
Exactly. Who needs Rhodes when you've got Rincon!
Plenty of interesting developments overnight. Jeff Blair confirms that the Jays are mulling over some interest in Rich Aurilia, including moving some payroll to make it work for a Miguel Batista type contract. Hudson rumours continue--apparently JP offered him twice to Seattle for Soriano (not surprisingly they said no).
Boston still seems interested in Hudson and the package coming back from LA for Nomar is now being speculated as Greg Miller (lhp) rather than Odalis Perez, there does seem to be a better match between Boston and Toronto. The Red Sox are expected to sign Mark Bellhorn today but the Boston papers said that wouldn't stop there search for an upgrade at second base.
Boston still seems interested in Hudson and the package coming back from LA for Nomar is now being speculated as Greg Miller (lhp) rather than Odalis Perez, there does seem to be a better match between Boston and Toronto. The Red Sox are expected to sign Mark Bellhorn today but the Boston papers said that wouldn't stop there search for an upgrade at second base.
Adam, that's a funny story about the Greek national baseball tryouts. But there's nothing funny about the fact that they'll be playing in the Olympics and the USA, Dominican Republic, Mexico, etc. won't be.
(Okay, it's a little funny that the U.S. won't be.)
(Okay, it's a little funny that the U.S. won't be.)
Well, I guess this news gives occasion for us to start considering the merits of Rich Aurilia as a Fighting Jay for 2004 and perhaps beyond. Personally I am not too excited about this possibility, even if we are able to secure his services at a bargain-basement rate. As I'm relatively new to this stat-head world, I defer to other bauxites expertise in comparing the offensive and defensive merits of Aurilia and Woodward, but I hope we can stimulate some discussion of this. My sense is that Aurilia would still be a bit over-paid based on his one great year (2001). The rest of his career seems quite pedestrian. Can some one tell me what the timeline is supposed to look like on Russ Adams and Aaron Hill? Is Adams still consider a major-league calibre SS defensively? Perhaps J.P. and co. have soured on Woodward's potential to develop, or maybe they are overrating our chances to make a bit of a run in 2004 and feel Woodward is our main weakness. Anyhow, I found Blair's article to be interesting to say the least!
Speaking of middle infielders, reports are that the Texas Rangers have reached a contingent agreement with 2B Todd Walker -- the contingency beging the A-Rod/Manny trade. Former Jay Michael Young would move to shortstop, where he goes from a legitimate chance at an all-star appearance or three in his career to no chance at any as long as Jeter, Nomar, A-Rod, Tejada are in the AL.
Too bad the Mariners didnt go for the Hudson for Soriano deal. Rafael was one of the best relievers in the AL last year. Whatever happened to all of the guys on here who said that JP wasnt shopping Hudson??
http://www.bostondirtdogs.com/
quasy-confirmed Arod for Manny?
click my name.
quasy-confirmed Arod for Manny?
click my name.
Nice understated style the Dogs have there, hey? This looks very interesting, but fan blogs have been misled on other occasions this week. Thanks for the tip, sweat -- I'll look for other confirmations.
Yet Another Hijack.
Does anyone know the story behind why Pat Borders was offered arbitration? What's the deal there? Is there some sort of move there, or do the Mariners just really want Pat Borders? I can't figure out that move at all.
John Franco is similarly confusing. At least B.J. Surhoff hit some.
Does anyone know the story behind why Pat Borders was offered arbitration? What's the deal there? Is there some sort of move there, or do the Mariners just really want Pat Borders? I can't figure out that move at all.
John Franco is similarly confusing. At least B.J. Surhoff hit some.
I think the explanation behind Borders is that the new Mariners GM is a blithering idiot.
Apparently, the Guillen/Vizquel deal is all but completed, and I haven't heard anything about the Indians picking up salary - meaning that this would be a challenge trade with the Indians picking up a solid infielder who's a) younger b) better and c) cheaper.
You gotta feel for Mariners fans... I'm not sure I've ever seen a good team be so blatantly destroyed.
Apparently, the Guillen/Vizquel deal is all but completed, and I haven't heard anything about the Indians picking up salary - meaning that this would be a challenge trade with the Indians picking up a solid infielder who's a) younger b) better and c) cheaper.
You gotta feel for Mariners fans... I'm not sure I've ever seen a good team be so blatantly destroyed.
Well, I suppose the Marlins firesale would qualify, but I didn't really follow baseball then so I didn't care =)
from this story
Borders, a former World Series MVP with the Blue Jays who spent most of last season at Class AAA Tacoma, was offered arbitration, which assures that the Mariners will have him one more year.
General manager Bill Bavasi said nobody should read too much into the situation involving Borders, who became the personal catcher for troubled starter Freddy Garcia late last season. Garcia is eligible for arbitration and has been the subject of trade rumors.
"We offered him arbitration because the club has a special relationship with this guy," Bavasi said of Borders.
So there you go.
In other, Seattle intends to trade Carlos Guillen (28, scheduled to earn $2.5 million) for Omar Vizquel (37, scheduled to earn $6 million).
As a Ranger fan, I am very pleased with the hiring of Bill Bavasi and the offseason moves of the Seattle Mariners.
Borders, a former World Series MVP with the Blue Jays who spent most of last season at Class AAA Tacoma, was offered arbitration, which assures that the Mariners will have him one more year.
General manager Bill Bavasi said nobody should read too much into the situation involving Borders, who became the personal catcher for troubled starter Freddy Garcia late last season. Garcia is eligible for arbitration and has been the subject of trade rumors.
"We offered him arbitration because the club has a special relationship with this guy," Bavasi said of Borders.
So there you go.
In other, Seattle intends to trade Carlos Guillen (28, scheduled to earn $2.5 million) for Omar Vizquel (37, scheduled to earn $6 million).
As a Ranger fan, I am very pleased with the hiring of Bill Bavasi and the offseason moves of the Seattle Mariners.
Adam, that's a funny story about the Greek national baseball tryouts.
Add my thanks for linking to that Geoff Baker changeup. Or maybe it was a knuckler. Good stuff, anyway.
Add my thanks for linking to that Geoff Baker changeup. Or maybe it was a knuckler. Good stuff, anyway.
Any bets on how many times the A's shut-out, or possibly even no-hit, the Mariners? A left-handed starter pretty much takes Olerud out of the lineup, and Edgar's bound to miss a few games; that would leave Ichiro & Boone backed up by Spezio, Winn, Cirillo, Vizquel, Wilson and Ibanez.
They could probably still be competitive in 2004, but in another year or so the team could be really ugly.
They could probably still be competitive in 2004, but in another year or so the team could be really ugly.
Mike:
the article in spanish about Quiroz is telling he got the third hit in a row ( ligados ) and produced the winning run. Nothing to worried about.
Whenever you need a translation mail me...
( it is amazing how much is writing in this blog nowdays, after a few days off is really uphill to catch up...)
the article in spanish about Quiroz is telling he got the third hit in a row ( ligados ) and produced the winning run. Nothing to worried about.
Whenever you need a translation mail me...
( it is amazing how much is writing in this blog nowdays, after a few days off is really uphill to catch up...)
Actually, the New York Post (viable source that it is) reports that Cirillo will be dealt for Roger Cedeno, increasing Scott's Happiness Factor significantly.
The A-Rod announcement on the Boston blog ... look at it again. It's just a ripoff of a number of the recent Web and newspaper Saddam Hussein announcements, right down to the headline (We Got Him!) and other language. Note there is no story. This is a spoof.
The A-Rod announcement on the Boston blog ... look at it again. It's just a ripoff of a number of the recent Web and newspaper Saddam Hussein announcements, right down to the headline (We Got Him!) and other language. Note there is no story. This is a spoof.
Mick: If it was a big joke, then all i can say, is thats the wrong type of publication to be having a little joke on everyone. However, if you go to that site now, they are saying that it is still a done deal, and that they confirmed a few other deals prior to everyone else. In any case, I refered to it as a quasy-confirmed deal, because I didnt take it off of espn.com or some other reputable source.
Another crazy rumour going around is that Nick Johnson failed his physical, possibly causing the trade to be stopped. An announcement is expected soon.
The A's have resigned Rincon and have traded Mike Barret to the Cubs for a PTBNL.
The source of the crazy rumour is sweat's head. Yawn.
To wit: Yankees Complete Trade for Javier Vizquel [sic]
Johnson's physical was delayed because he was on vacation.
To wit: Yankees Complete Trade for Javier Vizquel [sic]
Johnson's physical was delayed because he was on vacation.
http://bbfl.scottlucas.com
Omar Vizquel for Carlos Guillen, done.
If that's a straight-up, Bill Bavasi and Rush Limbaugh are sharing maids.
Omar Vizquel for Carlos Guillen, done.
If that's a straight-up, Bill Bavasi and Rush Limbaugh are sharing maids.
I'm absolutely staggered by Bavasi's moves this offseason. Funnily enough this one is likely to make him quite popular in Seattle given how popular Omar is in the local area. Here's how bad the M's offseason is going, I would say this is the least damaging of all of Bavasi's moves. This one only costs them the salary difference between the two for next year plus a $1million buy out for Omar's last year (I think the total difference is around $5-6 million). It does not cost them draft picks or salary drains in '05 and '06. Of course the other cost is in the likely performance difference bewteen the two next year! What a mess.
I wish Bavasi was in charge of the Red Sox....
I would say this is the least damaging of all of Bavasi's moves.
I think that's true only if Vizquel stays injury-free and hits like he did in 2002.
This trade just doesn't make sense to me. It doesn't provide a short-term solution (Guillen was quietly effective in 2002 and is fine defensively) and creates a long-term problem (Vizquel turns 37 pretty soon). And for a franchise that has balked at taking on salary in midseason trades, taking on an extra $5.5 million in commitments for Vizquel is downright bizarre. Yes, It was Gillick, not Bavasi, in charge last year, but presumably the money decisions come from the top.
And Felix Fermin's 1989 season was a thing of beauty.
I think that's true only if Vizquel stays injury-free and hits like he did in 2002.
This trade just doesn't make sense to me. It doesn't provide a short-term solution (Guillen was quietly effective in 2002 and is fine defensively) and creates a long-term problem (Vizquel turns 37 pretty soon). And for a franchise that has balked at taking on salary in midseason trades, taking on an extra $5.5 million in commitments for Vizquel is downright bizarre. Yes, It was Gillick, not Bavasi, in charge last year, but presumably the money decisions come from the top.
And Felix Fermin's 1989 season was a thing of beauty.
Scott, I agree the trade is a bizarre. One thing to remember is that the M's had the longer term problem you mentioned anyway as Guillen is a free agent after this year. I agree that if I were betting, Guillen will have a better year than Vizquel this year. It really is a trade of one year of Vizquel for one year of Guillen with the M's paying the extra $5.5 million for the pleasure.
In regards to Bavasi's moves are Ibanez, Spezieo, Winn better than a Tejada or Guerrero?? I dont think so but still look at Seattles projected rotation
Pineiro
Moyer
Meche Prospects (Nageotte and Blackley)
Franklin
Garcia/Soriano
Pen
Sasaki
Guardado
Soriano?
Hasegawa
Thats a great rotation and great pen. They still have Ichiro, Boone, Edgar plus have slightly upgraded now at 3rd and in the Outfield. I dont like the moves made but their pitching is well above the Blue Jays and they should be a favorite for a wildcard spot minimum.
Pineiro
Moyer
Meche Prospects (Nageotte and Blackley)
Franklin
Garcia/Soriano
Pen
Sasaki
Guardado
Soriano?
Hasegawa
Thats a great rotation and great pen. They still have Ichiro, Boone, Edgar plus have slightly upgraded now at 3rd and in the Outfield. I dont like the moves made but their pitching is well above the Blue Jays and they should be a favorite for a wildcard spot minimum.
http://economics.about.com
And Felix Fermin's 1989 season was a thing of beauty.
He only struck out 27 times in 484 at bats! Quick, someone call Mike D! :)
Mike
And Felix Fermin's 1989 season was a thing of beauty.
He only struck out 27 times in 484 at bats! Quick, someone call Mike D! :)
Mike
Rotoworld reports that the Jays just signed Mike Kusiewicz. (Who?)
A former Blue Jays farmhand, but he actually signed with Milwaukee. Rotoworld mis-read Bob Elliott's column this morning.
A former Blue Jays farmhand, but he actually signed with Milwaukee. Rotoworld mis-read Bob Elliott's column this morning.
Kristian, in looking at your list I was struck by how many potential question marks there are in that list of pitching. I'm not saying all of the following will happen but there is a real possibility of some or all of this happening:
Pinero- continues on his second half slide of last year that a number of people suggested might be tied to being overworked at a young age(I believe he threw the most pitches per game of anyone in the AL last year);
Moyer- Father Time catches up to him, particularly after about 80 pitches per start (of course people have said that for a few years now);
Meche- continues his role of being relatively ineffective (which he was in the second half) and/or gets hurt;
Franklin- his ERA catches up to his peripherals;
Garcia- continues to suck or is non-tendered.
I watched probably 125 M's games last year. From about the middle of July on the pitching staff was not dominant the way it was in April-June.
I agree that their pitching prospects are good and the chances of all of the above happening are remote, but I would not be at all surprised to see an 85 win season out of Seattle this year.
Pinero- continues on his second half slide of last year that a number of people suggested might be tied to being overworked at a young age(I believe he threw the most pitches per game of anyone in the AL last year);
Moyer- Father Time catches up to him, particularly after about 80 pitches per start (of course people have said that for a few years now);
Meche- continues his role of being relatively ineffective (which he was in the second half) and/or gets hurt;
Franklin- his ERA catches up to his peripherals;
Garcia- continues to suck or is non-tendered.
I watched probably 125 M's games last year. From about the middle of July on the pitching staff was not dominant the way it was in April-June.
I agree that their pitching prospects are good and the chances of all of the above happening are remote, but I would not be at all surprised to see an 85 win season out of Seattle this year.
I second Nigel's comments. Plus, Hasegawa will come back to Earth a little bit. No more 1.xx ERAs for him.
[Fermin] only struck out 27 times in 484 at bats! Quick, someone call Mike D! :)
That and bunting were his only talents, apparently. Near as I can tell, Fermin's 32 sac hits in 1989 are the third highest total since 1943 and the second most ever in a DH league. (#1 was Bert Campenaris for the '77 Rangers).
[Fermin] only struck out 27 times in 484 at bats! Quick, someone call Mike D! :)
That and bunting were his only talents, apparently. Near as I can tell, Fermin's 32 sac hits in 1989 are the third highest total since 1943 and the second most ever in a DH league. (#1 was Bert Campenaris for the '77 Rangers).
In posing those comments about Meche and Piniero I was going on my memory of their performances in the second half. In checking their numbers its actually scary what happened in the second half to those two:
Meche 1st half - 3.61 ERA; 2nd half - 6.08 ERA
Piniero 1st half - 3.28 ERA; 2nd half - 4.57 ERA
Piniero's ERA wasn't terrible in the second half but some of his peripherals went way south. He became almost Towers Taterific giving up over 1.5 HR's/9.
Meche 1st half - 3.61 ERA; 2nd half - 6.08 ERA
Piniero 1st half - 3.28 ERA; 2nd half - 4.57 ERA
Piniero's ERA wasn't terrible in the second half but some of his peripherals went way south. He became almost Towers Taterific giving up over 1.5 HR's/9.
Nigel I agree with some of your points and I think its interesting to note both Pineiro's and Meche's decline in the 2nd half as even with Garcia the Mariners have been critized for overworking their young starters. I think Meche was tired as the year before he was just working his way back from shoulder surgery. Of course this is purely hypothetical but your post showed why its important for Seattle to keep pitchers like Soriano in the organzition. I dont have any era+ stats here but this is a pitching line
201.1 ip, 4,51 era, 1.33 whip, 144k's and 12 wins.
Thats Garcia's line and though its a drop from his usual performance it dosent "suck". Im sure the Jays fan would love that line from anyone but Halladay last year. Also from Aug 28th on Garcia was dominant but just not winning. Over his last 6 starts his whip was .86 and he averaged over 6 innings a start. Hasegawa should come back to earth but Sasaki should rebound. Plus Nageotte might fill in the pen if Soriano starts and Guardado replaces Rhodes just fine.
201.1 ip, 4,51 era, 1.33 whip, 144k's and 12 wins.
Thats Garcia's line and though its a drop from his usual performance it dosent "suck". Im sure the Jays fan would love that line from anyone but Halladay last year. Also from Aug 28th on Garcia was dominant but just not winning. Over his last 6 starts his whip was .86 and he averaged over 6 innings a start. Hasegawa should come back to earth but Sasaki should rebound. Plus Nageotte might fill in the pen if Soriano starts and Guardado replaces Rhodes just fine.
Kristian, fair comment about Garcia. Perception in this case is coloured by salary and past success I guess. However, everything I've heard suggests that Garcia will be non-tendered so it looks like he's toast anyway. It's also fair comment about Soriano. I would make the same comment about all the good pitching prospects. I wouldn't trade one of them. My point was that there are a number of question marks in the pitching staff and that Seattle being a wild card contender is by no means a given. The basic problem is that Bavasi has just spent about 16.5 million dollars for next year alone on Ibanez, Spezio, Guardado and the difference between Guillen and Vizquel. For that money he could have had Vlad and maybe someone else and fixed one of the "real" problems for Seattle - production from their outfield (now that Cameron has gone). I just think this team is worse than it was last year (Cameron vs. Ibanez; Visquel vs. Guillen; Rhodes vs. Guardado are all down grades (if Rhodes isn't hurt)) and they've spent a great deal of money accomplishing that downgrade. I don't think its a stretch to be questionning whether they still are a wild card contender. I agree that I wouldn't make the problems worse by trading some of their young pitching.
Oops! I forgot (oh how M's fans would like to forget) the flushing of an extra $1 million plus paid to watch McCracken "play" next year to add to the tally. It's only a miracle that Bavasi appears to have lost the phone number for Tony Womack and his agent.
Vizquel for Guillen is dead-- Vizquel passed his physical. As a Mariners fan, I don't like Bavasi. But Spezio will offer more offense at 3rd than Cirillo (but then again, I would) but his defense will be a downgrade. OF defense takes a hit, but not nearly as huge as some make it out to me. Ibanez will probably produce a slight bit more offense than Cameron, making the OF about even, and possible better if Ichiro figures out how to hit again. Meche is a different story. He was basically a rookie last year--it was his first healthy season in 3 or 4 years. So having him is rotation spot 3-5 is a great bet -- he'll win 15 games again, most likely. I'm not worried about Moyer- time is not against the man who gets better as he throws slower. Piniero is a worry, and his high pitch counts are a worry, but I don't think 15 wins and an ERA in the low to mid 4's is a stretch for him. Franklin will be worse with a worse OF defense behind him, but he'll still get 10-12 wins, but with a higher ERA--they couldn't score a run for him last year. He lost numerous 2-1 games, if I recall. Soriano will be a key to their success. I'm somewhat hoping they keep Garcia and put Soriano in the rotation and put Frankie in the bullpen--he's awesome as the long guy. Soriano may be dominant, but he will essentially be a rookie in the rotation. So he is a question--but his looky-see at the league this year may help him. And there are a few prospects that will be ready to help by midseason in the pen or rotation. The M's have no hitters in their minors ready anytime soon, but they will have pitchers coming out of their ears by the second half of thisyear. Of course, you can't win if you don't score any runs. Edgar will be worse, Olerud will probably be slightly better, Boone will be about the same, and Davis will probably start and be better than last year. He was good through the All Star break when all of a sudden he got no playing time so he fell off the earth. Winning this division isn't out of the question, but Wild Card probably is.
M's Fan, that should read OV failed his physical. I find this hardly surprising, as he had both knees reconstructed.
Apparently, the Indians are now very interested. Nothing like a failed physical to excite Mark Shapiro, who would be one of the game's best GMs if he could learn to resist his own damn veterans.
Apparently, the Indians are now very interested. Nothing like a failed physical to excite Mark Shapiro, who would be one of the game's best GMs if he could learn to resist his own damn veterans.
On a side note, A's Rule V pick Frank Brooks looks mighty built for a pitcher. I wouldn't charge the mound against him, that's for sure.
http://www.skiltech.com/phillies-minors/images/brooks.jpg
http://www.skiltech.com/phillies-minors/images/brooks.jpg
Beane is cooking up something interesting as he just acquired Mark Redman for Mike Neu and a PTBNL. I wonder if he's going to try to work himself into the Red Sox-Rangers-Dodgers dealings and acquire Scott Williamson. Maybe he'll keep Redman but I thought the A's would probably go with a Big 3-Harden-Duchschrescher rotation. Redman would give them more of a known commodity than Justin D., but the A's need offensive/bullpen help more, so I wouldn't be suprised to see him flipped.